DIVINE COMMANDS AND PROMISES
SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
Senior Division, No. 297, Third Quarter, 1969
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"Set apart a little time each day for study of the Sabbath School lesson."—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
page 137.
"Let the Sabbath School lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the
lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week
on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus
the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."
—Education,
pages 251, 252.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath
School lesson each day of the week.
Name
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
"Look Now Toward Heaven"
2.
"Fear Thou Not"
3.
"Be Ye Doers of the Word"
4.
"Hope Thou in God"
5.
"Follow After . . . Patience"
6.
"Love Your Enemies"
7.
"Judge Not"
8.
"Watch Unto Prayer"
9.
"Overcome Evil With Good"
10.
"Be Careful for Nothing"
11.
"Grieve Not the Holy Spirit"
12.
"Be Ye Reconciled"
13.
"Be Ye Perfect"
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 297, July-September, 1969. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
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Copyright, 1969, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
COVEft PAINTING BY JOHN STEEL;
P.P.P.A. TAKEN FROM • •THE DESIRE OF AGES"
LITHO IN U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
DIVINE COMMANDS AND PROMISES
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Obedience to all the revealed will of God
is fundamental for the Christian. Every
follower of Jesus should be able to say, as
He did: "I delight to do Thy will, 0 My
God: yea, Thy law is within my heart."
Ps. 40:8. The law of which the psalmist
here speaks prophetically includes not only
the Ten Commandments, but many other
commands, admonitions, exhortations, and
appeals, all of which mean much in the
Christian's experience. In the lessons which
follow, some of these significant commands
are examined in order to determine the
appropriate responses to God's will. We
shall learn that the path of obedience
takes on an aura of glory because "all His
biddings are enablings," and with every
command and admonition is linked a gra-
cious promise. This brings everlasting life
within the grasp of the humblest, weakest
saint or the most needy sinner.
"The conditions of eternal life, under
grace, are just what they were in Eden—
perfect righteousness, harmony with God,
perfect conformity to the principles of His
law. The standard of character presented
in the Old Testament is the same that is
presented in the New Testament. This
standard is not one to which we cannot
attain. In every command or injunction
that God gives there is a promise, the most
positive, underlying the command. God has
made provision that we may become like
unto Him, and He will accomplish this for
all who do not interpose a perverse will
and thus frustrate His
grace."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
page 76.
Lesson 1, for July 5, 1969
"Look Now Toward Heaven"
MEMORY VERSE: "And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward
heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto
him, So shall thy seed be." Gen. 15:5.
STUDY HELPS: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 132-138; "SDA Bible Commen-
tary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Begin reading study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 9-12.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Command, "Look Now Toward
Heaven"
t
3]
1.
Given by God. Gen. 15:1, 2, 5.
2.
Revealed through vision.
Gen. 15:1.
3.
A command and a promise.
Gen. 15:5, 7.
4.
Acceptance based upon faith.
Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6.
II. What the Look Toward Heaven
Reveals
5.
"Him who is invisible." Heb. 11:27.
6.
God's throne room. Rev. 4:1, 2.
7.
God's mercy seat. Ps. 36:5 ; 90:14.
8.
God's love. John 3:16; 1 John
4:7-11.
III. The Gaze Heavenward
9.
Assures God's help. Ps. 121:1, 2.
10.
Means power for every need.
Isa. 40:26, 28-31; Matt. 28:18.
11.
Helps us to see the nearness of
Christ's coming. Luke 21:25-28.
12.
Keeps our minds centered on
things above. Col. 3:1-4.
THE LESSON
reward.'"-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
136.
Introduction
The course of our lives is often veiled in
mystery. As Paul says, we see "through
a glass, darkly." But we may thank God
that beyond the veil lies His highway.
Many live from day to day with dissatisfied
hearts because they do not look toward
heaven. Even when they do, they fail to
see God's mercy seat. Vainly they hope
that tomorrow will bring the satisfaction
they do not experience today. But the
secret of greater satisfaction is found in
closer fellowship with Christ. The divine
directive, "Look now toward heaven," was
given in order to bring us into a sacred
nearness to the Redeemer. Obedience to
this command assures us of His everlasting
mercy and unquestionable faithfulness.
3. What were the promises the Lord
made to Abram? Gen. 15:5, 7.
NOTE .-Regarding the promises, "So
shall thy seed be" and "To give thee this
land to inherit it," we read: "For the third
time God assures Abram that he is to
possess the entire land of Canaan. . . . But
his status had not changed in the least since
he first entered Canaan. At intervals God
repeated the promise, and Abram accepted
it without ever seeing a visible sign of its
fulfillment."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 15:7.
The Command, "Look Now
Toward Heaven"
1.
By whom was the command,
"Look now toward heaven," given?
Gen. 15:1, 2, 5. Compare Isa. 40:26.
2.
In what way did the Lord reveal
Himself to Abram? Gen. 15:1.
NOTE.
-"This
shows that the vision was
given to Abram at night. Still in vision,
the patriarch was led out into the open
and bidden to lift his eyes to the starry sky
and count-if he could-its myriad glit-
tering orbs, if he would know the number
of his seed."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 15:5.
"In a vision of the night the divine
Voice was again heard. 'Fear not, Abram,'
were the words of the Prince of princes;
`I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great
4. What was Abram's response to
God's promises, and how was it
counted to him? Gen. 15:6; Heb.
11:6.
NOTE.
-"Paul
used this text as the
cornerstone on which he erected the doc-
trine of justification by faith (Rom. 4:3;
Gal. 3:6). Although the possibility that
Abram would have children had decreased
since God's first promise, as his age in-
creased, he did not hesitate to take God's
word that it would be so. The Hebrew ver-
bal form, translated 'he believed,'
he'emin,
is from the same root as the word
amen,
with which we emphasize our desire that
God may hear and fulfill our prayers. This
verb expresses complete trust in the power
and promises of God. The particular form
of the verb here used expresses, further-
more, that this was not just Abram's his-
torical experience at the moment, but an
abiding character trait as well. He kept on
believing."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 15:6.
[4]
What the Look Toward Heaven
Reveals
5.
Because of Moses' faith what
did God permit him to see? Heb. 11:
27. Compare Acts 7:55, 56.
NOTE.—"Moses did not merely think of
God; he saw Him. God was the constant
vision before him; he never lost sight of
His face. He saw Jesus as his Saviour, and
he believed that the Saviour's merits would
be imputed to him. This faith was to
Moses no guesswork; it was a reality. This
is the kind of faith we need, faith that will
endure the test. Oh, how often we yield to
temptation because we do not keep our eye
upon Jesus. Our faith is not continuous
because, through self-indulgence, we sin,
and then we cannot endure `as seeing Him
who is
invisible.'"—Testimonies,
Vol. 5,
p. 652.
6.
When John the Revelator looked
heavenward, what did he see? Rev.
4:1, 2. Compare Isa. 6:1-4.
NOTE.—"I
looked.
Or `I saw,' an expres-
sion John uses repeatedly to introduce new
scenes or important symbols. . . .
"A door.
Here the door, apparently, into
the throne room of the universe. . . . This
throne room has been identified as the
most holy place of the heavenly sanc-
tuary."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rev.
4:1.
To appreciate God's greatness, His good-
ness, we must by faith look out and up
and beyond the narrow confines of our
earth and behold God's throne room.
7.
Where did David place God's
mercy, and what will it do for us?
Ps. 36:5; 90:14.
NOTE.—"The psalmist seems to soar sud-
denly upward, above the depravity of hu-
manity, to the limitless spaces where dwell
the attributes of God. Because the Hebrew
preposition
be,
`in,' may also mean `from,'
as shown by Ugaritic parallels . . . , this
passage should probably be understood as
stating that God's loving-kindness comes
`from the heavens.'
"—SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
on Ps. 36:5.
God's throne is filled with His mercy.
The two words "mercy" and "faithfulness"
are lovely attributes of God's character.
Both invite us to look heavenward. God's
love and mercy are inseparable; they are
seen in the heavens.
8.
When we by faith look unto
God, what outstanding characteristic
do we behold? John 3:16; 1 John
4:7-11.
NOTE.—When the great preacher Dr.
Samuel Rose spoke on the words in 1 John
4:7, 8, he made the following analyses:
1. A definition of the new birth—"Every-
one that loveth is born of God." 2. A defi-
nition of God—"God is love." 3. A test
of Christian discipleship—"He that loveth
not knoweth not God." What a world of
thought opens before us. Back of it all we
see God's divine love. If our lives are des-
titute of this love, we do not know Christ
as our personal Saviour.• The purpose of
His coming to this world was to reveal
the love of God. The greatest discovery is
the discovery that "God is love." To make
this discovery is to know the way of
eternal salvation.
The Gaze Heavenward
9.
What assurance do we receive
when we look to God? Ps. 121:1, 2.
NOTE.—"David composed Ps. 121 in the
Wilderness of Paran, immediately after
learning of the death of Samuel (PP 664).
When David realized that his last in-
fluential earthly friend was gone, he turned
to the Lord for his sole remaining help.
The psalm has been a great blessing to
countless thousands who at one time or
another have found themselves in circum-
stances more or less similar to those in
which the psalmist finds himself."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
Introduction to Psalm
121.
"From whence. . . .
It is not from the
hills or the mountains that God's children
receive help, but from
God."—Ibid.,
on
Ps. 121:1.
[ 5 ]
10.
How all-inclusive is the prom-
ise of divine help when we look
toward God? Isa. 40:26, 28-31; Matt.
28:18.
NoTE.—"The God who faints not im-
parts strength
o
to fainting hearts. What-
ever man's nee s may be, God is able to
supply them all. . . . Those who in meek-
ness and lowliness of spirit realize their
own frailties and shortcomings are the
most certain of having their needs sup-
plied. . . . God's ear is always attuned to
the cry of those who feel themselves in-
sufficient for the tasks at hand and who
desire the help of Heaven. It is in the
weakness of humanity that God's strength
is made perfect. . . . This fact has been
proved in the lives of countless thousands."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 40:29.
"What is this power given to Him for?
For us. He desires us to realize that He
has returned to heaven as our Elder
Brother, and that the measureless power
given Him has been placed at our
dis-
posal."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 186.
11.
In the end-time of history what
climactic event becomes the focal
point of the Christian's upward gaze?
Luke 21:25-28.
NoTE.—"Christ had bidden His people
watch for the signs of His advent and
rejoice as they should behold the tokens of
their coming King. 'When these things be-
gin to come to pass,' He said, 'then look
up, and lift up your heads; for your re-
demption draweth nigh.' He pointed His
followers to the budding trees of spring,
and said: 'When they now shoot forth, ye
see and know of your own selves that
summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise
ye, when ye see these things come to pass,
know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh
at hand.'
"—The Great Controversy,
pages
308, 309.
12.
What is Paul's admonition to
those who are risen with Christ? Col.
3:1-4. Compare Matt. 6:33.
NOTE.—"If. There is no doubt implied
in the Greek. The phrase thus introduced
has an argumentative conditional force.
The condition is assumed as being true.
"Risen with Christ.
Paul's words might
be paraphrased, 'Since then you have been
raised with Christ.' The 'then' takes us
back to ch. 2:20, and still further back
to vs. 12, 13. Paul is stressing the glorious
position and privileges that the believer
has in his Saviour. The poor expedient of
a legalistic, or mechanical, religion, full
of routines and taboos, by contrast with
vital Christianity, is needless and futile.
"Seek.
That is, make a habit of seeking,
as the Greek implies. . . .
"Those things.
The drive of the will,
vitalized by the power of Jesus, should be
directed to heavenly things. Man's ob-
jectives and efforts, turned away from
the rudiments of the world, should be
centered in heavenly realities."—SDA
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Col. 3:1.
Thought for Meditation
We need to "look now toward heaven"
and draw spiritual strength from that
surveying. The same stars are there that
Abraham beheld; the same God is holding
them in the hollow of His hand. Troubled
hearts that look for help will find it in
the upward look, the look to heaven and
God.
Lesson 2, for July 12, 1969
"Fear Thou Not"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am
thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of My righteousness." Isa. 41:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 333-341; "Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 516-520; "SDA Bible Commentary."
[6]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
0
Wednesday: Questions
10, 11.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Age of Fear
1.
Prophesied. Luke 21:25, 26.
2.
Not to be found among God's
people. Luke 12:32 ; Ps. 91:5.
II. Causes for Fear
3.
Sin. Isa. 33:14; 57:20, 21.
4.
Lack of faith. Mark 4:36-40.
III. Remedy for Fear
5.
Christ. Ps. 34:4.
6.
Redemption. Isa. 43:1-5.
7.
Love. 1 John 4:18.
8.
God's promises. Isa. 41:10.
IV. Examples of Fearlessness
9.
Joshua and Caleb. Num. 14:1, 2,
6-9.
10.
Daniel. Dan. 6:16-23.
11.
Paul. Acts 27:21-25.
THE LESSON
NOTE
.-"Men's hearts. . . .
Literally,
'men expiring from fear,' or 'men fainting
from fear.' The latter part of the verse
gives us the climactic reason for men's
hearts failing them for fear, the shaking of
'the powers of heaven.' The scene here
depicted takes place under the seventh
plague. . . . Upon this scene 'the wicked
look with terror and amazement,' . . .
calling for the mountains and the rocks to
fall upon them."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 21:26.
Introduction
It is human to fear because the instinct
of fear is rooted in our nature. Trust can
be engendered by an acquaintance with
God. It is one thing to say, "When I am
afraid, I will trust in God," but quite
another to say, "I will trust and not be
afraid." It is good to remember that the
fear of God delivers us from the fears in
the world. Earthly fear smothers the best
impulses of our lives; it destroys our joy;
it disturbs our peace; it weakens us spiri-
tually and physically.
The dictionary defines fear as "A feeling
of anxiety and agitation caused by the
presence or nearness of danger, evil, pain,
etc.; timidity ; dread; terror ; fright ; ap-
prehension."-New
World Dictionary of
the American Language,
College Edition.
"The concept of fear as expressed in the
Bible covers a wide range of emotions.
. . . The exact shade of thought or degree
of fear generally needs to be determined
from the context; but in most cases the
Biblical usage of 'fear' reasonably approxi-
mates our modern English usage of the
term."-SDA
Bible Dictionary,
on "Fear,"
page 346.
Age of Fear
1. What did Jesus say would be one
of the signs of the end? Luke 21:
25, 26.
I
2. What is God's admonition to
His people in
a
time of fear? Luke
12:32; Ps. 91:5.
NOTE.-"Fearful tests and trials await
the people of God. The spirit of war is
stirring the nations from one end of the
earth to the other. But in the midst of
the time of trouble that is coming,-a time
of trouble such as has not been since there
was a nation,-God's chosen people will
stand unmoved. Satan and his host can-
not destroy them, for angels that excel in
strength will protect
them."-Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 17.
Causes for Fear
3.
What is the underlying cause of
fear? Isa. 33:14; 57:20, 21. See also
Job 11:14, 15.
NOTE.—"There
is no peace.
Peace is the
fruit of righteousness. . . . Among the
works of the flesh are 'hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, her-
esies' . . . , whereas love, joy, and peace
are among the fruits of the Spirit. . . .
The wicked cannot hope to enjoy either
peace of mind within or tranquillity with-
out. Where there is a departure from di-
vine principles, dissension, variance, and
strife inevitably arise. If the world would
put away strife, it must first put away
sin, the cause of strife. Only righteousness
within can produce peace without."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 57:21.
"Put it far away.
Zophar appeals to Job
to put away sin, of which he is certain
Job is guilty, as a prerequisite to the return
of security and felicity.
"Then.
When you have repented of your
sins, you will find confidence and security
and absence of fear."—Ibid., on Job 11:
14, 15.
4.
What did Jesus say was the
cause of fear in the lives of His dis-
ciples during a storm? Mark 4:36-40.
NOTE.—"When Jesus was awakened to
meet the storm, He was in perfect peace.
There was no trace of fear in word or
look, for no fear was in His heart. . . .
"As Jesus rested by faith in the Fa-
ther's care, so we are to rest in the care
of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted
in Him, they would have been kept in
peace. Their fear in the time of danger
revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to
save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and
it was only when, in despair of self-
dependence, they turned to Him that He
could give them help."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 336.
Remedy for Fear
5.
In what way and through whom
did David overcome fear? Ps. 34:4.
NorE.—"When for the truth's sake the
believer stands at the bar of earthly tri-
bunals, Christ stands by his side. When
he is confined within prison walls, Christ
manifests Himself to him and cheers his
heart with His love. When he suffers
death for Christ's sake, the Saviour says
to him, They may kill the body, but they
cannot hurt the soul. 'Be of good cheer;
I have overcome the world.' Fear thou
not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;
for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of My righteous-
ness.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
85, 86.
6.
What does God through the
prophet Isaiah give as a remedy for
fear? Isa. 43:1-5.
NoTE.—Christ came to redeem us from
sin. With sin in the life fear is inevitable
—with the eradication of sin fear van-
ishes. We are redeemed through the pre-
cious blood of Christ. To us He says, "Fear
not, for I have redeemed thee." Our in-
timate relationship with Christ through
redemption is expressed thus:
"So the work of redeeming us and our
inheritance, lost through sin, fell upon Him
who is 'near of kin' unto us. It was to
redeem us that He became our kinsman.
Closer than father, mother, brother, friend,
or lover is the Lord our Saviour."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 327.
7.
What will cast out fear? 1 John
4:18.
NOTE.—"Since there is no fear in love,
one who fears demonstrates that he is not
yet made perfect in respect to the high
form of love of which the apostle is speak-
ing. . . . As we learn to know the Lord
we begin to love Him, and our fear changes
from a haunting dread of a powerful and
avenging God to a 'clean' . . . fear that
does not wish to disappoint a friend. The
more we grow in love, the less we fear.
When our love is perfectly developed and
freed from all trace of self, we shall be
without craven fear of God or man. We
[81
shall not fear God because we know that
He is love. We shall not fear man because
we know that our loving Friend will allow
nothing to come upon us that will not
be for our ultimate good, and that He
will be with us whenever our path leads
through trial or danger."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 John 4:18.
8.
Following the injunction, "Fear
thou not," what five promises does the
prophet Isaiah mention? Isa. 41:10.
Examples of Fearlessness
9.
What noble example of fearless-
ness do we find in the lives of Joshua
and Caleb? Num. 14:1, 2, 6-9.
NoTE.—Israel rebelled against God. They
believed the evil report that the ten spies
brought back, for we read: "And they
went so far as to appoint a captain to
lead them back to the land of their suffer-
ing and bondage, from which they had
been delivered by the strong arm of Om-
nipotence.
"In humiliation and distress 'Moses and
Aaron fell on their faces before all the as-
sembly of the congregation of the children
of Israel,' not knowing what to do to turn
them from their rash and passionate pur-
pose. Caleb and Joshua attempted to quiet
the tumult. With their garments rent in
token of grief and indignation, they rushed
in among the people, and their ringing
voices were heard above the tempest of
lamentation and rebellious
grief."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 389, 390.
10.
What experience in the life of
Daniel reveals his fearlessness? Dan.
6:16-23.
NOTE.—"From the story of Daniel's de-
liverance we may learn that in seasons of
trial and gloom God's children should be
just what they were when their prospects
were bright with hope and their surround-
ings all that they could desire. Daniel in
the lion's den was the same Daniel who
stood before the king as chief among the
ministers of state and as a prophet of the
Most High. A man whose heart is stayed
upon God will be the same in the hour of
his greatest trial as he is in prosperity,
when the light and favor of God and of
man beam upon him. Faith reaches to the
unseen and grasps eternal realities.
"Heaven is very near those who suffer
for righteousness' sake. Christ identifies
His interests with the interests of His faith-
ful people; He suffers in the person of His
saints, and whoever touches His chosen
ones touches Him. The power that is near
to deliver from physical harm or distress
is also near to save from the greater evil,
making it possible for the servant of God
to maintain his integrity under all cir-
cumstances, and to triumph through di-
vine
grace."—Prophets and Kings,
page
545.
11.
While facing death, how did
Paul show that he did not fear? Acts
27:21-25.
NOTE.—"The apostle, though himself suf-
fering physically, had words of hope for
the darkest hour, a helping hand in every
emergency. He grasped by faith the arm
of Infinite Power, and his heart was stayed
upon God. He had no fears for himself;
he knew that God would preserve him to
witness at Rome for the truth of Christ.
But his heart yearned with pity for the
poor souls around him, sinful, degraded,
and unprepared to die. As he earnestly
pleaded with God to spare their lives, it
was revealed to him that his prayer was
granted.
"Taking advantage of a lull in the tem-
pest, Paul stood forth on the deck and,
lifting up his voice, said: . . . 'There shall
be no loss of any man's life among you.
. . . I believe God, that it shall be even
as it was told
me.'"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 442, 443.
Thought for Meditation
Those who fear the Lord most are the
least fearful of the future. Our trust must
be in God who delivers us from the fear
of men.
[ 9
1
Lesson 3, for July 19, 1969
"Be Ye Doers of the Word"
MEMORY VERSE:
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
your own selves." James 1:22.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 224-240, 627-636; "Steps to
Christ," last chapter; "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12; read
further from helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Doers of the Word Are Obedient
1.
Christ our example in obedience.
Phil. 2:6-8.
2.
God is not pleased with partial
obedience. 1 Sam. 15:22.
3.
Doers of the word are blessed
by God. Luke 11:28; Rev. 1:3;
James 1:25.
4.
They build their house upon a
rock. Matt. 7:24, 25.
II. Hearers, Not Doers of the Word
5.
Build their house upon sand.
Matt. 7:26, 27.
6.
Deceive themselves. James 1:22.
7.
Compared with one who forgets
his true condition. James 1:23, 24.
III. Characteristics of the Doers of
the Word
8.
Born again. 1 Peter 1:22, 23.
9.
Grow spiritually. 2 Peter 3:18.
10.
Walk in the light. Ps. 119:105.
11.
Fortified against sin. Ps. 119:11;
1 John 2:14.
12.
Bear fruit. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"By obedience the people were to give
evidence of their faith. So all who hope
to be saved by the merits of the blood of
Christ should realize that they themselves
have something to do in securing their
salvation. While it is Christ only that can
redeem us from the penalty of transgres-
sion, we are to turn from sin to obedience.
Man is to be saved by faith, not by works;
yet his faith must be shown by his works.
God has given His Son to die as a propiti-
ation for sin, He has manifested the light
of truth, the way of life, He has given
facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and
now man must cooperate with these saving
agencies; he must appreciate and use the
helps that God has provided—believe and
obey all the divine requirements."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
page 279.
Doers of the Word Are
Obedient
1. What example of obedience to
God's will has Christ set for us?
Phil. 2:6-8.
NoTE.—"Jesus' obedience was rendered
to the extent of laying down His life. It
was humiliation indeed for God to become
[ 10 ]
man; and then, being man, to die a shame-
ful death on the cross. . . .
"Christ's obedience was of the same
nature as ours must be. It was 'in the
flesh' . . . that Christ rendered this obedi-
ence. He was man, subject to the same
desires to preserve His life as we are. He
was tempted by Satan, but overcame the
devil by the power of the Holy Spirit,
even as we may do. He exercised no power
in His own behalf that we may not em-
ploy."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Phil.
2:8.
2.
How highly does God regard
obedience? 1 Sam. 15:22. Compare
2 Cor. 10:5.
NOTE.—"In his expedition against Ama-
lek, Saul thought he had done all that was
essential of that which the Lord had com-
manded him; but the Lord was not
pleased with partial obedience, nor willing
to pass over what had been neglected
through so plausible a motive. God has
given men no liberty to depart from His
requirements. The Lord had declared to
Israel, 'Ye shall not do . . . every man
whatsoever is right in his own eyes;' but
he shall 'observe and hear all these words
which I command thee.' . . . In deciding
upon any course of action we are not to
ask whether we can see that harm will re-
sult from it, but whether it is in keeping
with the will of God. 'There is a way which
seemeth right unto a man ; but the end
thereof are the ways of death.'
"—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 634.
3.
What does the Lord pronounce
upon the doers of the word? Luke
11:28; Rev. 1:3; James 1:25.
NOTE.—God longs to bless us, but His
blessing is given upon the fulfillment of
conditions. In Luke 11:28 two conditions
are given, first to "hear" and second to
"keep" or do. The choice is ours. We alone
can make the decision. The words God
spoke anciently to His people have never
been altered. He still says, "A blessing, if
ye obey . . . : and a curse, if ye will not
obey." Deut. 11:27, 28.
4.
To what does Jesus liken the
man who hears His words and does
them? Matt.
7:24, 25.
Narc.—"It is a dangerous thing to hear
a divine command if what is heard is not
translated into action, for hearing in-
evitably brings with it responsibility for
corresponding action. . . . Obedience trans-
forms the words of Christ into personal
character."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Matt. 7:24.
It is well to remember that the house
is the "house" of character and it is built
upon a rock. Regarding this we read, "The
Lord Jesus Christ is the 'rock' on which
the individual Christian and the Christian
church as a community of character build-
ers are to be built. . . . According to Luke
6:48 the builder `digged deep' in order to
have a firm foundation. To build firmly
requires much time and effort; it is far
simpler to build a house without going
to the trouble of providing a solid founda-
tion."—Ibid.
Hearers, Not Doers of
the Word
5.
In the parable to what is a man
likened who hears God's word but
does not do it, and what is the result
of his course? Matt. 7:26, 27.
NoTE.—"Thus Christ set forth the prin-
ciples of His kingdom, and showed them
to be the great rule of life. To impress the
lesson He adds an illustration. It is not
enough, He says, for you to hear My words.
By obedience you must make them the
foundation of your character. Self is but
shifting sand. If you build upon human
theories and inventions, your house will
fall. By the winds of temptation, the
tempests of trial, it will be swept away.
But these principles that I have given will
endure. Receive Me; build on My words."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 314.
6.
What do those do who are only
hearers and not doers of the word?
James 1:22.
NOTE.—"Deceiving.
Gr.
paralogizomai,
'to
delude,' to deceive by false reasoning.' The
deception is one into which a man betrays
himself by false reasoning. The hearer de-
ceives himself when he reasons that mere
listening to the word, or much discussion
about truth, or membership in the church
is sufficient for salvation. There must be a
complete transformation of the life by
the power of the Holy Spirit, which
energizes believers into being 'doers of the
word.'
"—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
James 1:22.
7.
What illustration is given to re-
veal the attitude of those who are
hearers and not doers of the word?
James 1:23, 24.
NoTE.—"As a mirror reflects the likeness
of the human face, soiled or blemished as
it may be, so the law of God reveals the
moral countenance, marred with defects
and stained with sin. To hear and to
understand the Word of God is like look-
ing into a mirror. In viewing the perfect
precepts of the law as magnified in the
character of Jesus Christ, we become
aware of our own shortcomings and de-
fects. The mirror of truth never flatters.
Paul was unaware of his own corrupt
nature until he saw himself in the mirror
of the law. Without the law he thought
himself morally adequate, 'alive,' but when
he really understood its lofty principles he
realized that he was spiritually dead. . . .
"The moment he turns from the mirror
he forgets his true appearance. The test
of sincerity and purpose is in the response
a man makes to the challenge of the Word
of God. Those who are 'hearers only,' as a
result of either procrastination or 'false
reasoning' . . . , choose not to surrender
their lives to God. The man who hears only
may be compared to the 'wayside' hearer
of Matt.
13:4."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on James 1:23.
Characteristics of the
Doers of the Word
8.
What is one of the instrumen-
talities through which the new birth
is brought about? 1 Peter 1:22, 23.
Compare Matt. 18:3; 2 Cor. 5:17.
NOTE.—"The Scriptures constitute God's
word for man. . . . By adhering to its
principles any man will experience a 'new
birth' of hope, strength, and character.
Apart from the 'Word of God' man can
expect no moral transformation, no spiri-
tual regeneration."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 1 Peter 1:23.
9.
What is said concerning Chris-
tian experience? 2 Peter 3:18. Com-
pare 1 Peter 1:5-7.
NOTE.—There is no spiritual growth
without obedience to the Word of God.
Jesus said, "The words that I speak unto
you, they are spirit, and they are life."
John 6:63. To grow spiritually we must
feed upon spiritual food. This is found in
His Word.
"Grow.
The tense implies 'keep on grow-
ing.' . .
"Growth is characteristic of the true
child of God as it is of all living things,
inasmuch as he has found a new life in
Christ Jesus. . . . His goal is a character
that resembles the perfect character of his
Lord, and a mind that is able to think
His thoughts after Him. He aspires to
`grow up into Him in all things, which
is the head, even Christ.' . . In this life,
and thereafter in the life to come, the
Christian can look forward to endless
growth in character and in understanding
the will and ways of God. There will ever
be new worlds of mind and spirit for him
to conquer, new heights to climb, new
doors of adventure and opportunity to
open."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Pe-
ter 3:18.
10.
What has God given us to
guide us in the path of obedience?
Ps. 119:105.
NoTE.—Since God's Word is light, it is
logical to believe that only those who are
doers of God's will as revealed in His
Word walk in the light. The more desirous
we are to know God's will and to live up
to the light He has for us, the brighter and
the more secure will be our Christian ex-
perience.
"The Word of God illuminates the way
so that man may walk safely in the spiri-
tual darkness of this world. He who has
this light to guide him need not stumble
even though his path is beset with evil."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Ps. 119:105.
[ 12 ]
11.
What fortifies us against sin?
Ps. 119:11; 1 John 2:14. Compare
Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
NoTE.—"This verse contains the secret of
true Christian living. A mere knowledge of
the Word will not keep us from sin, but
when the Word is treasured up in the
heart we have the weapons with which to
meet and conquer the wily
foe."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Ps. 119 A.1.
12.
What is revealed in the life of
the one who is a doer of the word?
2 Tim.
3:16, 17.
Compare John 15:
2-5, 16.
NOTE.—The words, "Throughly furnished
unto all good works," indicate that those
who accept the Word of God as inspired
and live in harmony with it will bear fruit
or reveal "good works." To bear fruit we
must abide in Him and be doers of His
word. We read, "A continuous abiding in
a living connection with Christ is essential
for growth and fruitfulness. . . . It is not
possible for one branch to depend upon
another for its vitality; each must main-
tain its own personal relationship to the
vine. Each member must bear its own
fruits."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on John
15:4.
Thought for Meditation
"When it is in the heart to obey God,
when efforts are put forth to this end,
Jesus accepts this disposition and effort
as man's best service, and He makes up
for the deficiency with His own divine
merit."—My
Life Today,
page 250.
Lesson 4, for July 26, 1969
"Hope Thou in God"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Why art thou cast down,
0
my soul? and why art thou dis-
quieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help
of His countenance." Ps.
42:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 681-702; "The Ministry of Healing,"
pages 161-169; "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
❑
Monday: Questions 6-8; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
further from helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Importance of the Command
1.
By nature we are without
hope. Eph. 2:12.
2.
To counteract the false hope.
Job. 8:13-15; 11:20.
II. Source of the Christian's Hope
3.
Christ. 1 Tim. 1:1; Jer. 17:7.
4.
The Scriptures. Rom. 15:4.
5.
Faith. Heb. 11:1.
[
13]
III. The Hope in God
6.
A
lively hope. 1 Peter 1:3.
7.
An anchor, sure and steadfast.
Heb. 6:17-19.
8.
A blessed hope. Titus 2:13.
IV. What Hope Does for Us
9. Engenders courage. Ps. 31:24.
10.
Brings joy and happiness to the
heart. Ps. 146:5.
11.
Purifies the life. 1 John 3:2, 3.
12.
Sustains in time of trouble.
Joel 3:16.
13.
Comforts when we face death.
Prov. 14:32.
THE LESSON
2. What is said of the false hope of
the hypocrites and the wicked? Job
8:13-15; 11:20.
Introduction
"Hope and courage are essential to per-
fect service for God. These are the fruit of
faith. Despondency is sinful and unreason-
able. God is able and willing 'more abun-
dantly' . . . to bestow upon His servants
the strength they need for test and trial.
The plans of the enemies of His work may
seem to be well laid and firmly established,
but God can overthrow the strongest of
these. And this He does in His own time
and way, when He sees that the faith of
His servants has been sufficiently tested."
-Prophets and Kings,
page 164.
Importance of the Command
1. What is the condition of those
who are without Christ? Eph. 2:12.
NOTE.-"Without
Christ.
Or, 'apart from
Christ,' separated from Him. This is no
condemnation of the Gentiles, but simply
an assertion of the fact that, being without
connection with the Messiah, they were
without the source of regenerative power.
`Without Christ' is the tragic opposite
of Paul's oft-repeated theme phrase, 'in
Christ.'
"-SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 2:12.
"The hearts of Paul and his associate
workers were drawn out in behalf of those
who were 'without Christ, being aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and
strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the
world.' Through the untiring ministrations
of the apostles to the Gentiles, the 'stran-
gers and foreigners,' who 'sometimes were
far off,' learned that they had been 'made
nigh by the blood of Christ,' and that
through faith in His atoning sacrifice they
might become 'fellow citizens with the
saints, and of the household of God.'
"-
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 175.
Source of the Christian's Hope
3.
What do Paul and Jeremiah say
about our hope? 1 Tim. 1:1; Jet. 17:7.
NOTE.-"Hope.
. . .
Christ is not only
the object of man's hope but also its
source. Men find their basis for 'hope' for
temporal support as well as for future
immortality in Christ."-SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 Tim. 1:
1.
4.
What does the Word of God
do for us? Rom. 15:4.
NorE.-"Thecripturei inspire hope in
those who endure suffering for God's sake
and for the sake of their fellowmen. The
endurance that the Christian is enabled to
display, and the comfort that he receives
in his affliction confirm and strengthen this
hope. For the connection between patience
and hope see Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Thess.
1:3."-
SDA Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 15:4.
5.
What is the relation between
faith and hope, according to the
writer of the book of Hebrews? Heb.
11:1.
Nom.-Faith and hope are inseparable.
The stronger the faith the brighter the
hope. Through a living faith our fond
hopes will be realized. "By faith the Chris-
[14]
tian considers himself already in posses-
sion of what has been promised him. His
utter confidence in the One who has made
the promises leaves no uncertainty as to
their fulfillment in due time. Faith thus
enables a Christian not only to lay claim
to promised blessings but to receive and
to enjoy them now. Thus, the promised
inheritance becomes a present possession.
The good things to come are no longer
only dreams to be fulfilled in the future,
but living realities in the present. To the
eye of faith what is otherwise invisible
becomes visible."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Heb. 11:1.
The Hope in God
6.
By what event in the life of
Jesus Christ are we "begotten again
unto a lively hope"? 1 Peter 1:3.
Compare Acts 26:6-8; Isa. 26:19.
NOTE.—Our hope rests upon a past fact,
that of the resurrection of Christ. The one
real proof that when we paint heaven we
are not painting myth is the fact that
Christ rose from the dead.
"In Christ is life, original, unborrowed,
underived. 'He that hath the Son bath
life.' . . . The divinity of Christ is the
believer's assurance of eternal life. 'He that
believeth in Me,' said Jesus, 'though he
were dead, yet shall he live: and whoso-
ever liveth and believeth in Me shall never
die.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 530.
"The voice that cried from the cross,
`It is finished,' was heard among the
dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers,
and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus
will it be when the voice of Christ shall be
heard from heaven. That voice will pene-
trate the graves and unbar the tombs,
and the dead in Christ shall arise. At the
Saviour's resurrection a few graves were
opened, but at His second coming all the
precious dead shall hear His voice, and
shall come forth to glorious immortal life.
The same power that raised Christ from
the dead will raise His church, and glorify
it with Him, above all principalities, above
all powers, above every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in
the world to come."—/bid., p. 787.
7.
With what is the hope of the
Christian compared? Heb. 6:17-19.
NoTE.—One of the important and neces-
sary parts of the equipment of a ship is its
anchor. It must be able to function in an
emergency. It must not fail to hold. As
Christians are confronted by the storms of
life, they have an anchor that will hold;
it is "both sure and steadfast." This an-
chor is our hope in Jesus. He will keep
us through all the storms and secure us
in the harbor of eternal calm.
8.
With what does Paul connect
hope, and what does he call it?
Titus
2 : 1 3 .
NOTE
.—"Blessed hope.
The hope of
Christ's return has been the grand in-
centive of the Christian faith for nearly
2,000 years, buoying the believer's spirit
and steeling his courage amid all vicissi-
tudes of life. The dark moments of dis-
couragement, disillusionments, or sorrow
in this life's experience are gloriously com-
pensated for by the Christian's hope of
the second advent."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Titus 2:13.
What Hope Does for Us
9.
What words of inspiration come
to those who hope in the Lord? Ps.
31:24.
NOTE.—"Ps. 31 is a heartfelt prayer for
deliverance from trouble, enlivened by a
sincere trust in God's ability to deliver. It
is characterized by a galaxy of rich figures
describing the distress of the persecuted
and the hope that comes in time of trou-
ble."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
introduc-
tion to Psalm 31.
"Hope in the Lord.
Literally, 'wait for
the Lord.' Hoping and waiting go hand in
hand along the Christian way. Hope is a
tonic to Christian experience."—Ibid., on
Ps. 31:24.
10.
According to the psalmist, how
does hope affect the life? Ps. 146:5.
NOTE.—"Hope is the balm of life and the
joy of existence. It buoys our spirits up
as we meet with trials and sorrows along
the
way."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Ps. 146:5.
[ 15]
Where there is hope there is joy and
happiness. When hope goes, worry sets in.
Worry takes the joy out of life. Life at
best is soon cut off. How stupid to cripple
it with worry when heaven and earth and
God cry, "Hope." It is good to know that
Christ, our hope, is master of all our
problems. With Him in the life hope grows
stronger and brighter day by day.
11.
What change is wrought in the
life of the one who hopes to see his
Lord face to face? 1 John 3:2, 3.
NOTE.—"John was a teacher of holiness,
and in his letters to the church he laid
down unerring rules for the conduct—of
Christians. . . . 'He that saith hCabidet
in Him ought himself also so to wilkTe en
as He walked.' . . . He taught that the
Christian must be pure in heart and life.
Never should he be satisfied with an empty
profession. As God is holy in His sphere,
so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is
to be holy in his sphere."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 559.
12.
What does Joel say that the
Lord will be to His people when "the
heavens and the earth shall shake"?
Joel 3:16.
NOTE.—"Hope.
Heb.
machaseh,
'a ref-
uge,' a shelter.' Judgment upon the enemies
of Judah means deliverance for the people
of God. Thus it will be when the wicked
powers of earth, under the influence of
Satan, seek to destroy the faithful remnant
(Rev. 13:15). God will intervene to de-
liver His people."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Joel 3:16.
13.
What is said of the righteous
when he faces death? Prov. 14:32.
Compare 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
NOTE.—"Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of His saints." Ps.
116:15. "The righteous bath hope in his
death." Prov. 14:32. With the psalmist,
Elisha could say in confidence, "God will
redeem my soul from the power of the
grave: for He shall receive me." Ps. 49:15.
And with rejoicing he could testify, "I
know that my Redeemer liveth, and that
He shall stand at the latter day upon
the earth." Job 19:25. "As for me, I will
behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall
be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy like-
ness." Ps. 17:15.
Because of this wonderful hope of the
Christian, "Satan is ready to steal away
the blessed assurances of God. He desires
to take every glimmer of hope and every
ray of light from the soul; but we must
not permit him to do
this."—Steps to
Christ,
page 53.
Thought for Meditation
The Christian's hope is like a staff. When
we walk with it, we shall manage to keep
despairing thoughts from our lives.
Lesson 5, for August 2, 1969
"Follow After . . . Patience"
MEMORY VERSE:
"But thou,
0 man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." 1 Tim. 6:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 529-538; "SDA Bible Commen-
tary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
learn memory verse.
❑
further from helps.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 6-8.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
reading study helps.
❑
[ 16 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Need of Patience
1.
Because of the nearness of Christ's
coming. James 5:7, 8.
2.
Patience makes us fruitful.
Luke 8:15.
3.
In the lives of God's people.
1 Tim. 6:11; Heb. 10:36.
4.
Patience leads to perfection.
James 1:2-4.
5.
To win in the Christian race.
Heb. 12:1, 2.
II. Aids in the Development of Patience
6. Self-control and full surrender
to God. 1 Cor. 9:25-27.
7. Spiritual growth. 2 Peter 1:5-7.
8. Trials and tribulations.
Rom. 5:3-5.
III. Examples of Patience
9. Moses. Num. 12:3.
10. The prophets and Job.
James 5:10, 11.
IV. Patience and the Second Coming
11. Distinguishing characteristics of
the redeemed. Rev. 14:12 (first
part).
12. Pilgrims at last rewarded.
Isa. 25:9.
THE LESSON
"Look up, look up, and let your faith
continually increase. Let this faith guide
you along the narrow path that leads
through the gates of the city into the
great beyond, the wide, unbounded future
of glory that is for the redeemed. 'Be
patient therefore, brethren, unto the com-
ing of the Lord.'
"-Prophets and Kings,
page 732.
Introduction
"Patience is the quality of steadfast en-
durance, in confident expectation of some
desired end, despite difficult, discouraging,
and disappointing circumstances, and often
suffering. . . . In view of the fact that
`we must through much tribulation enter
into the kingdom of God' . . . and particu-
larly because entrance into the coming
kingdom of glory involves a prolonged
period of waiting, patience or steadfast
endurance becomes a cardinal Christian
virtue. . . . Patience ever reminds us that
`the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed.'
"-SDA Bible
Dictionary,
on "Patience," page 818.
The Need of Patience
1. Because of the nearness of the
coming of the Lord, what does James
advise us to do? James 5:7, 8.
NOTE.
-"Be
patient.
In view of the ulti-
mate vindication of the righteous at the
return of Christ, James urges his fellow
believers to be long-suffering under prov-
ocation and not lose their courage. The
perspective of the shortness of earth's
troubles compared with the unending joy
of eternal life has always been a source
of encouragement to the upright in heart."
-SDA Bible Commentary,
on James 5:7.
2.
What does the seed of God's
Word do when it falls into an honest,
patient heart? Luke 8:15.
3.
To whom is the command "Fol-
low after . . . patience" especially
directed? 1 Tim. 6:11; Heb. 10:36.
Nom.-The admonition to "follow after
. . . patience" was not given to a sinner,
but to Timothy, a "man of God." If it
was good for him then, it must be good
for us today, for we are living in an im-
patient age. These are days that try the
souls of men. While world conditions seem
to be beyond control, they should not
discourage us, but rather inspire us to
follow after patience. To us God says,
"Ye have need of patience. . . . For yet a
little while, and He that shall come will
come, and will not tarry." Heb. 10:36, 37.
f
17]
4.
What does James say the ulti-
mate result of patience will be in our
lives? James 1:2-4.
NoTE.—The expression "perfect work"
means "completed work." Patient •endur-
ance is to be continued until it has
completed its task. Regarding the words
"perfect and entire" we read: "Not a
single desirable character trait is to be
lacking; each is to be developed to per-
fection. These two words together suggest
the fullest possible attainment of the Christ-
like life. Patient endurance will help us to
fulfill this task of reproducing the char-
acter of Christ, which is the 'work' God
has given us to
do."—SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
on James 1:4.
5.
What admonition are we to heed
if we hope to win in the Christian
race? Heb. 12:1, 2.
NOTE
.—"Patience.
Gr.
hupomone,
'pa-
tience,' 'endurance ,"fortitude,'steadfast-
ness,' perseverance.' Because the Christian
race is a lifelong experience, it calls for
patience and perseverance—perseverance in
the face of successive difficulties and dis-
appointments and patience to await the
reward at the end of the course. Admoni-
tions to patient endurance occur again and
again in the book of Hebrews."—SDA
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Heb. 12:1.
"In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed
out the single-hearted purpose that should
characterize the Christian's race for eternal
life: 'Let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which doth so easily beset us, and
let us run with patience the race that is
set before us, looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith.' Hebrews
12:1, 2. Envy, malice, evil thinking, evil-
speaking, covetousness—these are weights
that the Christian must lay aside if he
would run successfully the race for im-
mortality. Every habit or practice that
leads into sin and brings dishonor upon
Christ must be put away, whatever the
sacrifice. The blessing of heaven cannot
attend any man in violating the eternal
principles of right. One sin cherished is
sufficient to work degradation of char-
acter and to mislead others."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 312.
Aids in the Development
of Patience
6.
What did Paul do in order to
win in the Christian race? 1 Cor. 9:
25-27.
NOTE.—"Every athlete practices self-re-
straint all round." 1 Cor. 9:25, Moffatt.
The King James Version is, "And every
man that striveth for the mastery is tem-
perate in all things." Both words "self-
restraint" and "temperate" require much
patience. To win in the Christian race
Paul taught self-control and complete sur-
render when he said, "I keep under my
body, and bring it into subjection."
"In referring to these races as a figure
of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized
the preparation necessary to the success
of the contestants in the race—the pre-
liminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the
necessity for temperance. 'Every man that
striveth for the mastery,' he declared, 'is
temperate in all things.' The runners put
aside every indulgence that would tend to
weaken the physical powers, and by severe
and continuous discipline trained their mus-
cles to strength and endurance, that when
the day of the contest should arrive, they
might put the heaviest tax upon their
powers. How much more important that
the Christian whose eternal interests are
at stake, bring appetite and passion under
subjection to reason and the will of God!
Never must he allow his attention to
be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or
ease. All his habits and passions must be
brought under the strictest discipline. Rea-
son, enlightened by the teachings of God's
Word and guided by His Spirit, must hold
the reins of control."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 311.
7.
In what setting does Peter place
the virtue of patience? 2 Peter 1:5-7.
NOTE.—"These words are full of instruc-
tion, and strike the keynote of victory.
[18]
The apostle presents before the believers
the ladder of Christian progress, every step
of which represents advancement in the
knowledge of God, and in the climbing of
which there is to be no -standstill. Faith,
virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,
godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity
are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved
by climbing round after round, mounting
step after step, to the height of Christ's
ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us
wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica-
tion, and redemption."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 530.
8.
Why are we admonished to glory
in tribulation? Rom. 5:3-5. Compare
1 Peter 4:12, 13.
NoTE.—The early Christians were called
upon to endure various forms of persecu-
tion. They suffered intensely. They were
not promised any exemption from sorrow.
Paul said, "We' must through much trib-
ulation enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 14:22.
"In the natural man, who has not been
born again of the Holy Spirit, tribulation,
delay, and opposition often produce only
impatience, or even a surrender of the good
cause he may have espoused. . . . But in
those who are spiritual, and thus under
the influence of the Spirit of love, affliction
and trial produce more perfect patience and
manly endurance."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Rom. 5:3.
Examples of Patience
9.
What was one of the outstand-
ing characteristics in the life of
Moses? Num. 12:3.
NOTE.—"It was the experience gained
during the years of toil and waiting in
Midian—the spirit of humility and long-
suffering there developed—that prepared
Moses to meet with patience the unbelief
and murmuring of the people and the pride
and envy of those who should have been
his unswerving helpers. Moses 'was very
meek, above all the men which were upon
the face of the earth,' and this is why he
was granted divine wisdom- and guidance
above all others."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 384..
10.
Whom .does James cite as ex-
amples of patience? James 5:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Patience. . . .
As the example
of the suffering of the prophets should
prevent our discouragement, the example
of their patience should likewise encourage
us to be patient."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on James 5:10.
Patience and the Second Coming•
11.
At the coming of Christ what
will be one of the outstanding char-
acteristics in the lives of His remnant
people? Rev. 14:12 (first part).
12.
What will those who have
waited patiently for the coming of
Jesus say when He appears? Isa. 25:9.
NOTE.—"To his faithful followers Christ
has been a daily companion and familiar
friend. They have lived in close contact, in
constant communion.with God. Upon them
the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ has been re-
flected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed
rays of the brightness and glory
,
of the
King in His majesty. They are prepared
for the communion of heaven; for they
have heaven in their hearts.
"With uplifted heads, with the bright'
beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining
upon them, with rejoicing that their re-
demption 'draweth nigh, they go forth to
meet the Bridegroom, saying, To, this is
our God; we have waited for Him, and
He will save
us.' "—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 421.
Thought for Meditation
Waiting patiently helps 'us to know the
will of God more perfectly. There are
times when God says to us: "Be silent, be
patient, and believe that your tears are
not unnoticed."
[,19.]
Lesson 6, for August 9, 1969
"Love Your Enemies"
MEMORY VERSE: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you." Matt. 5:44.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 185-197; "Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 73-75 (1943 ed., pp. 113-115); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading from study helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
further from helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Introduction
"While we were yet unloving and un-
lovely in character, 'hateful, and hating
one another,' our heavenly Father had
mercy on us. 'After that the kindness and
love of God our Saviour toward man ap-
peared, not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to His
mercy He saved us.' . . . His love, received,
will make us, in like manner, kind and
tender, not merely toward those who please
us, but to the most faulty and erring and
sinful."-Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 75.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Command to Love Our Enemies
1.
Contrary to human nature.
Rom. 8:7.
2.
Not a new commandment.
Lev. 19:18; Deut. 10:17-19.
3.
For God's people today.
John 13:34; Luke 6:27-29.
4.
Lack of love in time of the end
prophesied. 2 Tim. 3:1, 2 (first
part) ; Matt. 24:12.
II. Those Who Hate Are Earmarked
5. They walk in darkness.
1 John 2:9, 11.
6. They are not truthful.
1 John 4:20.
7. They are murderers. 1 John 3:15.
III. The Love That Loves the Enemy
8. Heaven-born. John 3:16; 1 John
4:9.
9. A fruit of the Spirit.
Rom.
5:5;
Gal. 5:22.
10. The outgrowth of forgiveness.
Luke 7:47.
IV. Examples of Those Who Loved
Their Enemies
11. Christ. Luke 23:34.
12. Stephen. Acts 7:55-60.
13. Paul. 2 Cor. 2:4-8.
THE LESSON
The Command to Love Our
Enemies
1. What does Paul say about the
unconverted, carnal mind? Rom. 8:7.
NOTE.
-The
command, "Love your en-
emies," is not easy to carry out. Humanly
speaking it is impossible because the nat-
ural feeling of the heart is, "an eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Matt. 5:38.
But the Christlike way is, "Love your
[20
]
enemies." He treated us this way, and He
bids us to follow in His footsteps.
"The Spirit of love, meekness, and for-
bearance pervading our life will have power
to soften and subdue hard hearts and win
to Christ bitter opposers of the
faith."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 174.
2.
What did God bid ancient Israel
to do? Lev. 19:18; Deut. 10:17-19.
NOTE.—"Thou shalt not avenge.
It is
human weakness to desire to 'get even'
with one who has done us harm, but the
Bible countenances no such procedure. Says
Paul, 'Dearly beloved, avenge not your-
selves, but rather give place unto wrath'
(Rom. 12:19). To bear a grudge is quite
useless. It does no one good, and does
the bearer much harm. It sours the dis-
position, and gives a warped view of life.
"Love thy neighbor.
In this injunction
are summed up the last six of the com-
mandments. . . . Said Christ, 'Ye have
heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt
love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies.'"
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Lev. 19:18.
3.
What great example of love did
Christ leave us, and what does He
bid us to do? John
13:34;
Luke 6:
27-29.
NOTE.—Many
believe that the new com-
mandment is, "Love thy neighbor as thy-
self." This is an old commandment. Lev.
19:18. The new commandment is one of
special, of unusual love. It is expressed in
the words, "As I have loved you." This
love could not be understood before the
cross.
The new commandment has not re-
placed the Ten Commandment law. The
law is as eternal as God because it is a
revelation of His character. The new com-
mandment supports the perpetuity of God's
law. Jesus said, "If ye keep My command-
ments, ye shall abide in My love [as I have
loved you] ; even as I have kept My Fa-
ther's commandments, and abide in His
love." John 15:10. The best proof for the
perpetuity of the law of God is found in
the statement, "As I have loved you," or
the death of Christ. If the law could have
been changed or done away with, then
the death of Christ would not have been
necessary.
4.
What is one of the signs of the
last days? 2 Tim.
3:1, 2 (first part);
Matt. 24:12.
NoTE.—" 'A new commandment I give
unto you,' Christ said, 'That ye love one
another; as I have loved you, that ye also
love one another.' John 13:34. What a
wonderful statement; but, oh, how poorly
practiced! In the church of God today
brotherly love is sadly lacking. Many who
profess to love the Saviour do not love
one another. Unbelievers are watching to
see if the
,
--faith
,
of_professed Christians is
exertink-a_sanctifyi0 influence upon their
lives; and they are quick to discern the
defects in character, the inconsistencies in
action. Let Christians not make it possible
for the enemy to point to them and say,
Behold how these people, standing under the
banner of Christ, hate one another. Chris-
tians are all members of one family, all
children of the same heavenly Father, with
the same blessed hope of immortality. Very
close and tender should be the tie that
binds them together."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 550.
Those Who Hate Are Earmarked
5.
What is an evidence that we
walk in darkness? 1 John
2:9,
11.
NOTE.—"Nothing
is said about the de-
gree of hatred. It can exist as a state of
passive "nonloving," as an active dislike, or
as a malignant hate that seeks to harm
its object. The slightest trace of hatred is
sufficient to show that the God of love
does not have full sway in the heart."—
SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 2:9.
"Darkness. . . .
He who claims spiritual
enlightenment yet harbors hatred for a
fellow believer clearly-demonstrates that
he is dwelling in 'spiritual dackness even
'until now,' that is,'"at---the-ve'ry moment
he makes the false claim."—Ibid.
6.
In the sight of the Lord, who is
looked upon as a liar? 1 John
4:20.
[
213
NoTE.—"I love God.
It is easy to make
such a verbal claim, but the apostle shows
that it is no less easy to test the truth of
the claim. Verbal profession is natural
and necessary . . . , but it is not sufficient.
It needs to be corroborated by the pro-
fessor's attitude toward his fellowmen. An
examination of the quality of a man's love
for his brethren will reveal much concern-
ing the genuineness of his love for God.
"Hateth his brother.
John clearly shows
what he means by 'hate' when he equates
it with `loveth not' in the second half of
the verse. Elsewhere in the Bible, hatred
often implies no more than preferring
oneself above another, or loving another
less than one should. . . .
"A liar.
John gives a plain test by which
we can know whether we love God. If we
fail in the test, but still claim to have
passed it, we are indeed deliberate liars."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 4:20.
7.
What does John say about the
one who hates his brother, and what
are his chances of inheriting eternal
life? 1 John 3:15.
NOTE.—"Hateth.
Comparison with v. 14
shows that `hateth' is synonymous with
'loveth not.' Absence of love marks the
presence of hate. In God's eyes there is
evidently no neutral ground.
"Murderer.
Gr.
anthropoktonos,
literally,
`man-killer.' The word occurs in the NT
only here and in John 8:44. John strikingly
points out the end result of hatred. There
are other ways of killing a man than by
physical violence that takes his life. Slan-
der can so dishearten him as to prevent
him from fully developing his innate abil-
ities, and thus is destroyed part of the life
he might have led. The very conscious-
ness of being disliked by church members
of good reputation is enough to quench
the ardor of some and may even cause
them to lose their faith in Christ, and
thus destroy their spiritual lives."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 3:15.
The Love that Loves the Enemy
8.
What act reveals that true love
is heaven-born? John 3:16; 1 John
4:9.
Nare.—" 'Seeing •ye have purified your
souls in obeying the truth through the
Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,'
Peter continued, 'see that ye love •one an-
other with. a pure heart fervently.' The
Word of God—the truth—is the channel
th
-
Fough---which the Lord manifests His
Spirit and power. Obedience to the Word
produces fruit of the required quality—
`unfeigned love of the brethren.' This love
is heaven-barn and leads to high motives
and unselfish actions."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 519, 520.
9.
Through what agency is the love
of God supplied? Rom. 5:5; 'Gal.
5:22.
NOTE.—"God's law is fulfilled _only as
men love Him with heart, mind, soul,
and strength, and their neighbor as them-
selves. It is the manifestation of this love
that brings glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace and good will to men. The
Lord is glorified when the great end of
His law is attained. It is the work of the
Holy Spirit from age to age to impart
love to human hearts, for love is the living
principle of brotherhood."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 139.
"Wherever there is an impulse of love
and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches
out to bless and uplift others, there is
revealed the working of God's Holy Spirit."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 385.
10.
What is the result of genuine
forgiveness? Luke 7:47.
NoTE.—Concerning the parable of the
lost and found we read, "Though you will
not join in the greeting to the lost, the
joy will go on, the restored one will have
his place by the Father's side and in the
Father's work. He that is forgiven much,
the same loves much. But you will be in
the darkness without. For 'he that loveth
not knoweth not God: for God is love.'"
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 211.
"We are not forgiven
because
we forgive,
but
as
we forgive. The ground of all for-
giveness is found in the unmerited love of
God, but by our attitude toward others
we show whether we have made that love
our own., Wherefore Christ says, 'With
[ 22 ]
what judgment ye judge, ye shall be
judged; and with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again.'
"—Ibid.,.
p. 251.
Examples of Those Who Loved
Their Enemies
11.
On what special occasion did
Christ reveal. His love of His enemies?
Luke 23:34. Compare Rom. 5:6-10.
NOTE.—"Yet
sinners.
There was nothing
in -man to deserve God's love. The hypo-
thetical 'good man' of v. 7 was benevolent
and loveable and inspired affection. But
the love that God exercised toward, us was
not a response to any love we had for
Him, for we were His enemies. 'Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that He
loved
us.' "—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 5:8.
12.
What was Stephen's attitude
toward those who were his enemies?
Acts 7:55-60.
13.
What attitude did Paul show
toward those who deserved punish-
ment? 2 Cor. 2:4-8.
NoTE.—"Successful dealing with sinners
is not achieved by bitter denunciation, by
ridicule or sarcasm, by making public their
sins. What these harsh weapons cannot
accomplish may be done by affectionate
concern, with 'many tears.' The unfortu-
nate spectacle of a church member falling
into sin awakens anguish and distress in
the mind of every true follower of Christ.
Godly concern and Christlike love unite
the church and prevent differences of opin-
ion concerning those disciplined."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 2:4.
Thought for Meditation
We are true children of God not be-
cause we know most, but because we love
most.
Lesson. 7, for August 16, 1969
"Judge Not"
MEMORY VERSE: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matt. 7:1.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 164-180; "Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 123-129 (1943 ed., pp. 177-185); "SDA
Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading from study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
further from helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Judging Others
1. Condemned by Christ. Matt.
7:1,
2.
2.
Condemns and reveals one's self.
Rom. 2:1.
3.
Places us on the side of Satan.
Rev. 12:10.
4.
Makes talebearers and spiritual
cannibals out of us. Lev. 19:15,
16;
.
Gal. 5:15.
[ 23 ]
II. The Work of Judging
5.
Belongs to God. Heb. 12:23.
6.
God judges righteously. Acts 17:
30, 31; 2 Tim. 4:8.
7.
God judges our words. Matt.
12:36, 37.
8.
According to the law of God.
James 2:10-12 ; Eccl. 12:13, 14.
III. Cures for Judging Others
9.
Christ within the heart.
Gal. 6:1.
10.
True love. John 15:12, 17.
11.
Keeping in mind that we are
judgment-bound. Rom. 14:10,
12, 13.
12.
Seeing the beam in our own eyes.
Matt. 7:3-5.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"If we have a sense of the long-suffering
of God toward us, we shall not be found
judging or accusing others. When Christ
was living on the earth, how surprised His
associates would have been, if, after be-
coming acquainted with Him, they had
heard Him speak one word of accusation,
of faultfinding, or of impatience. Let us
never forget that those who love Him are
to represent Him in character.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love; in honor preferring
one another.' Not rendering evil for evil,
or railing for railing: but contrariwise bless-
ing; knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing.'
"—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 489.
Judging Others
1.
What warning does Christ give
to those who judge? Matt. 7:1, 2.
NOTE. "Judge
not.
Jesus here refers
particularly to judging another's motives,
not to judging the right or wrong of his
acts. God alone is competent to judge men's
motives, because of the fact that He alone
is able to read men's innermost thoughts.
. . . Looking thus on men's hearts, God
loves the sinner the while He hates the
sin. Able to discern only the 'outward ap-
pearance' . . . and not the heart, men in-
evitably make mistakes. Jesus does not
here refer to that fine sense of discrimina-
tion by which the Christian is to dis-
tinguish between right and wrong . . . ,
but rather to the habit of censorious,
sharp, and usually unjust criticism."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 7:1.
2.
What are we generally guilty of
when we judge others? Rom. 2:1.
NoTE.—"Those who condemn or criti-
cize others, proclaim themselves guilty, for
they do the same things. In condemning
others, they are passing sentence upon
themselves, and God declares that this
sentence is just. He accepts their own ver-
dict against themselves."—Thoughts
From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 124.
3.
With whom do we associate our-
selves when we sit in judgment over
others? Rev. 12:10. Compare Zech.
3:1-3.
NOTE.—"Satan has many helpers. Many
who profess to be Christians are aiding
the tempter to catch away the seeds of
truth from other hearts. Many who listen
to the preaching of the Word of God
make it the subject of criticism at home.
They sit in judgment on the sermon as they
would on the words of a lecturer or a
political speaker. The message that should
be regarded as the word of the Lord to
them is dwelt upon with trifling or sar-
castic comment. The minister's character,
motives, and actions, and the conduct of
fellow members of the church, are freely
discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced,
gossip or slander repeated, and this in the
hearing of the unconverted. Often these
things are spoken by parents in the hear-
ing of their own children."—Christ's
Ob-
ject Lessons,
pages 45, 46.
4.
Why are we admonished not to
be talebearers or to devour one an-
other? Lev. 19:15, 16; Gal. 5:15.
NOTE.—"Bite and devour one another.
A vivid metaphor that paints a
picture
of cannibalism. The Galatians
were con-
[24]
ducting themselves like wild, ravenous
beasts. By word and deed they were
preying upon one another. Activities such
as gossip, slander, and sharp dealing are
no doubt included.
"Consumed one of another.
Church his-
tory records the sad fate of one religious
group after another in which Paul's fateful
warning was fulfilled. The unity of the faith,
and the unity of believers within the unity
of the faith, was the subject of our Lord's
prayer recorded in John 17. With such a
condition prevailing as that here described
by Paul, no Christian group can enjoy a
healthy religious experience."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Gal. 5:15.
The Work of Judging
5.
Who is to be the judge of man's
work? Heb. 12:23.
NoTE.—"It is not given to any human
being to judge between the different ser-
vants of God. The Lord alone is the judge
of man's work, and He will give to each
his just reward."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 276.
"God was the lawgiver at Mt. Sinai; on
Mt. Zion He appears as 'the Judge of all'
men, to judge them by the law He pro-
claimed from Sinai. It will be no less awe
inspiring to stand before God when He
judges all men according to the standard
of the
law."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Heb. 12:23.
6.
Whom has Ged appointed to do
the judging? Acts 17:30, 31; 2 Tim.
4:8.
NOTE.—"Before any can enter the man-
sions of the blessed, their cases must be
investigated, and their characters and their
deeds must pass in review before God. All
are to be judged according to the things
written in the books and to be rewarded as
their works have been. This judgment does
not take place at death. Mark the words of
Paul: 'He bath appointed a day, in the
which He will judge the world in righ-
teousness by that Man whom He hath
ordained, whereof He hath given assurance
unto all men, in that He hath raised Him
from the dead.' . . . Here the apostle
plainly stated that a specified time, then
future, had been fixed upon for the judg-
ment of the world."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 548.
7.
What does Jesus say concerning
the judging of our words? Matt. 12:
36, 37. Compare Prov. 18:21.
8.
What- will be the measuring rod
when our lives are judged by God?
James 2:10-12; Eccl. 12:13, 14.
Cures for Judging Others
9.
In dealing with the faults of
others, what should be our attitude?
Gal. 6:1.
NOTE.—"If Christ is in you 'the hope of
glory,' you will have no disposition to
watch others, to expose their errors. In-
stead of seeking to accuse and condemn,
it will be your object to help, to bless,
and to save. In dealing with those who
are in error, you will heed the injunction,
Consider 'thyself, lest thou also be tempted.'
. . . You will call to mind the many
times you have erred and how hard it
has been to find the right way when you
had once left it. You will not push your
brother into greater darkness, but with a
heart full of pity you will tell him of his
danger."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 128.
10.
What does Jesus say that our
relationship should be to each other?
John 15:12, 17. Compare 1 Peter 4:8.
NoTE.—One of the best cures for judging
others is expressed in the word "love."
Love and kindness are inseparable twins.
When these are in the heart, the spirit of
judging vanishes.
True love never judges unjustly, it does
not see the faults and failures in others.
Our love for each other is to be different
from the love displayed by the Pharisees.
Christ's requirements are always plus re-
quirements. If our lives are destitute of
Christ's divine love, then we do not know
Him as we should. Let us remember that
[ 25 ]
the spirit of judging, of condemning, is
not the spirit that prays, "Abba, Father."
Only the spirit of love can do that.
11. What should we always re-
member when we are prone to judge
others? Rom. 14:10, 12, 13.
NoTE.—That judging which the Bible
prohibits is that which is done in a harsh
and condemnatory spirit. The Lord does
not forbid the exercise of sound judgment
in dealing with others. It is said of one
man's experience that "there has been a
failure to read character. He believed others
to be as honest as himself, and in some
cases he has been
deceived."—Testimonies,
Vol.
2, p. 630. Your safety and that of
others calls for the exercise of good judg-
ment.
We often have to make decisions that
concern other persons, and to do that we
must evaluate and judge whether this or
that is the right thing to do in each case.
We have been warned to "try the spirits
whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world."
1 John 4:1. Proposals for marriage, re-
quests for baptism, nominaticns for church
offices, calls for church discipline, employ-
ment of persons for gospel work and secular
work, election and appointment of persons
for service in the civil government, the trial
of the accused in courts of justice, and
many other things call for the exercise of
good judgment concerning the mental, phy-
sical, and moral aptitudes, qualifications,
and intentions of individuals. In every case
the judging should be just and in the spirit
of the golden rule (Matt. 7:12), but not
in a harsh and condemnatory spirit that
would drive anybody nearer damnation.
"We shall all stand.
In the Greek the
word for 'all' is in the position of emphasis.
All of us, both weak and strong, are to
stand before the divine tribunal. Since all
believers are alike subjects and servants of
God, and must all stand before the same
judgment seat, they have no right to sit
in judgment on one another. Such judging
usurps a prerogative of God."—SDA
Bible
.
Commentary,
on Rom. 14:10.
12. Before attempting to judge
others, what should we do first? Matt.
7:3-5.
NOTE.-"Why
beholdest thou? . . .
Our
proverb, 'Those who live ih glass houses
should not throw stones,' has a similar im-
port. There is also an Arabic proverb that
runs, 'How seest thou the splinter in thy
brother's eye, and seest not the cross-beam
in thine
eye?'—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Matt. 7:3.
"But the difficulty lies with the individual
members of the church, and it is here that
the cure must be wrought. Jesus bids the
accuser first cast the beam out of his
own eye, renounce his censorious spirit,
confess and forsake his own sin, before
trying to correct others."—Thoughts
From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 127.
Thought for Meditation
Those who judge others labor in vain,
they err often and sin easily; but when
they judge and examine themselves, their
labor will not be in vain.
Lesson 8, for August 23, 1969
"Watch Unto Prayer"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the
house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the
morning." Mark 13:35.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 32; "SDA Bible Commentary."
[261
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading study helps.
❑
read further from
helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12;
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Command to Watch
1.
Addressed to whole church.
Mark 13:37.
2.
To be observed with diligence.
Eph. 6:18.
3.
To be accompanied by prayer.
Col. 4:2.
4.
To be combined with service.
Rev. 3:2.
II. Reasons for Watching and Praying
5. Nearness of Christ's coming.
1 Peter 4:7.
6.
Satan is on our trail. 1 Peter 5:8.
7.
A bulwark against temptation.
Matt. 26:41.
8.
Because of apostasies and decep-
tions. Acts 20:29-31.
9.
To escape the evils to come.
Luke 21:36..
10.
To protect ourselves and the
doctrines. 1 Tim. 4:16.
III. Two Classes When Christ Comes
11.
The careless, indifferent, and
unprepared. Luke 12:45, 46.
12.
Those who have watched unto
prayer and are ready.
Luke 12:35-37; 1 John 3:3.
THE LESSON
you sleeping.' The church of God is re-
quired to fulfill her night watch, however
perilous, whether long or short. Sorrow is
no excuse for her to be less watchful. Trib-
ulation should not lead to carelessness, but
to double vigilance. Christ has directed
the church by His own example to the
Source of their strength in times of need,
distress, and peril. The attitude of watch-
ing is to designate the church as God's
people indeed. By this sign the waiting ones
are distinguished from the world and show
that they are pilgrims and strangers upon
the
earth."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, p. 205.
Introduction
In the thirteenth chapter of Mark where
the words, "Watch ye therefore," are re-
corded, Jesus, talking to His disciples, fore-
tells the destruction of the temple. He
warns them against the danger of being
deceived and tells them how they will be
hated for the sake of the gospel that is
to go to all the world. Verses 24 and 25 de-
scribe the signs that indicate the nearness
of His return. At the close of the chapter
He tells us that no one knows the day or
the hour of His return, not even He or the
angels, but only the Father. Because of this
He gives the warning, "Watch ye therefore."
And why should we watch? "Lest coming
suddenly He find you sleeping."
The Command to Watch
1. How inclusive did Christ make
the command to watch? Mark 13:37.
NOTE.—"Jesus has left us this warning:
`Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when
the Master of the house cometh, at even, or
at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in
the morning: lest coming suddenly He find
2. How diligent are we to be in
our watchfulness and prayer? Eph.
6:18.
NOTE.—"Perseverance in prayer is not for
the purpose, by sheer persistence, of mak-
ing God change His mind, in some such
fashion as a begging child finally extracts
what he wants from an unwilling parent.
Perseverance in prayer, however, clearly in-
dicates on the part of the suppliant a state
of mind that gives God an opportunity to
[27l'
do things He could not safely do for him
otherwise."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 6:18.
3.
What is the apostle Paul's ad-
monition to the church regarding
prayer? Col. 4:2. Compare 1 Thess.
5:2-6.
4.
In addition to being watchful,
what does God tell us to do? Rev.
3:2. Compare Isa. 35:3, 4.
NoTE.—The importance of doing mission-
ary work is expressed clearly to all. God
calls every church member to enter His
-service. "Everyone who is added to the
ranks by conversion is to be assigned his
post of
duty."—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 30.
"Were every one of you a living missionary,
the message for this time would speedily be
proclaimed in all countries, to every people
and nation and tongue. This is the work
that must be done before Christ shall come
in power and great
glory."—Ibid.,
Vol. 6,
p. 438.
Reasons for Watching and
Praying
5.
Why are we admonished to
watch and pray? 1 Peter 4:7. Com-
pare Mark 13: 33-36.
NoTE.—"End
of all things.
That is, the
end of the world. . . .
"Is at hand.
Literally, 'has come near.'
The imminent prospect of facing the great
Judge of the universe . . . is, indeed, a
sobering thought. Peter's counsel to be-
lievers, particularly that of the verses that
follow, is given in a spirit of urgency, be-
cause 'the end of all things is at hand.'
"—
SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Peter 4:7.
6.
With what adversary are we
confronted? 1 Peter 5:8. Compare
Rev. 12:12.
NOTE.—"The more we learn in reference
to the early days of the Christian church,
and see with what subtlety Satan worked to
weaken and destroy, the better we shall be
prepared to resist his devices and meet com-
ing perils. We are in the time when trib-
ulations such as the world has never yet
seen will prevail. Woe to the inhabitors of
the earth and of the sea! for the devil is
come down unto you, having great wrath,
because he knoweth that he bath but a
short time.' But God has set bounds that
Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is
this barrier; and if we build ourselves up
in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping
of the Mighty
One."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5,
p. 297.
"Through deceptive means and unseen
channels, Satan is working to strengthen
his authority and to place obstacles in the
way of God's people, that souls may not
be freed from his power and gathered un-
der the banner of Christ. By his deceptions
he is seeking to allure souls from Christ,
and those who are not established upon
the truth will surely be taken in his snare.
And those whom he cannot lead into sin
he will persecute, as the Jews did Christ."
—Ibid.,
p. 295.
7.
By what means are we able to
escape temptations? Matt. 26:41.
NOTE.—"Christ was a perfect overcomer;
and we must be perfect and entire, want-
ing nothing, without spot or blemish. The
redemption which Christ achieved for man
was at infinite cost to Himself. The victory
we gain over our own evil hearts and over
the temptations of Satan will cost us
strong effort, constant watchfulness, and
persevering prayer; and we shall then not
only reap the reward, which is the gift of
eternal life, but shall increase our happi-
ness on earth by a consciousness of duty
performed, and by the greater respect and
love of those about
us."—Testimonies,
Vol.
4, p. 39.
8.
What warning does Paul give
regarding apostasies and deceptions?
Acts 20:29-31.
NOTE.—"Satan hopes to involve the rem-
nant people of God in the general ruin that
is coming upon the earth. As the coming
of Christ draws nigh, he will be more de-
termined and decisive in his efforts to over-
28
throw them. Men and women will arise
professing to have some new light or some
new revelation whose tendency is to un-
settle faith in the old landmarks. Their
doctrines will not bear the test of God's
Word, yet souls will be deceived. False re-
ports will be circulated, and some will be
taken in this snare. They will believe these
rumors and in their turn will repeat them,
and thus a link will be formed connecting
them with the archdeceiver. This spirit will
not always be manifested in an open de-
fiance of the messages that God sends, but
a settled unbelief is expressed in many
ways. Every false statement that is made
feeds and strengthens this unbelief, and
through this means many souls will be
balanced in the wrong direction.
"We cannot be too watchful against
every form of error, for Satan is constantly
seeking to draw men from the truth."—
Testimonies, Vol. 5,
pp. 295, 296.
9.
How is it possible to escape the
evils that are coming upon the world?
Luke 21:36.
10.
What personal counsel con-
cerning doctrine is given by the
apostle Paul? 1 Tim. 4:16.
NoTE.—One of the easiest things for us
to do is to watch others and to forget to
watch self. This is not God's plan for us.
Through Paul He says, "Take heed unto
thyself." This admonition we also find in
Acts 20:28: "Take heed therefore unto
yourselves." This we need to do constantly,
because Satan's arrows are ever pointed
at us. He knows that when our eyes are on
others we become easy targets for him.
"Doctrine. . . .
The successful church
leader will not only live an exemplary life
but will also possess a keen understanding
of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit cannot
bless the labors of those who work for
souls while willfully neglecting the thorough
study of the Word."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 Tim. 4:16.
Two Classes When Christ Comes
11.
Describe the adverse effects on
character resulting from a careless and
indifferent attitude toward Christ's
coming. Luke 12:45, 46.
NoTE.—"That evil servant who said in
his heart, 'My Lord delayeth His com-
ing,' professed to be waiting for Christ.
He was a 'servant,' outwardly devoted to
the service of God while at heart he had
yielded to Satan. He does not, like the
scoffer, openly deny the truth, but reveals
in his life the sentiment of the heart—that
the Lord's coming is delayed. Presumption
renders him careless of eternal interests. He
accepts the world's maxims and conforms
to its customs and practices. Selfishness,
worldly pride, and ambitions predominate.
Fearing that his brethren may stand higher
than himself, he begins to disparage their
efforts and impugn their motives. Thus he
smites his fellow servants. As he alienates
himself from the people of God, he unites
more and more with the ungodly. He is
found eating and drinking 'with the
drunken'—joining with worldlings and par-
taking of their spirit. Thus he is lulled into
a carnal security and overcome by forget-
fulness, indifference, and
sloth."—Testimo-
nies,
Vol.
5,
pp. 101, 102.
12.
Explain why, on the other hand,
an opposite ennobling transforma-
tion takes place in those who joy-
fully await their Lord's return. Luke
12:35-37; 1 John 3:3.
NorE.—"Because we know not the exact
time of His coming, we are commanded to
watch. . . . Those who are watching for
the Lord are purifying their souls by
obedience to the truth. With vigilant watch-
ing they combine earnest working. Because
they know that the Lord is at the door,
their zeal is quickened to cooperate with
the divine intelligences in working for the
salvation of souls. These are the faithful
and wise servants who give to the Lord's
household 'their portion of meat in due
season.' Luke 12:42. They are declaring the
truth that is now specially applicable."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 634.
Thought for Meditation
Those who do not watch unto prayer
are like a city without walls; they are ex-
posed to the inroads of the enemy of our
souls.
[ 29 ]
Lesson 9, for August 30, 1969
"Overcome Evil With Good"
MEMORY VERSE: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Rom. 12:21.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 114-131; "The Ministry of Healing,"
pages 484-496; "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-12;
read further from helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Introduction
One of the most heartening parts of the
gospel is the assurance of personal victory.
Human nature says, "It can't be done."
But Paul, through inspiration says, "Over-
come evil with good." Rom. 12:21. Christ
is not indifferent to our struggle in over-
coming all that is evil. He knows that the
human heart is inadequate to cope with
the many evils in the world, evils that
reach into the inner recesses of the heart,
that concern the daily realities of life. The
first step in dealing with evil is to realize
that we must face it and believe that it
can be overcome through the power of
Christ. Evil becomes sinful only as we
cherish it. We read: "There are thoughts
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Contrast Between Evil and Good
1.
The Lord beholds both.
Prov. 15:3.
2.
Constant conflict between them.
Rom. 7:15-19.
3.
By nature all are evil, none good.
Ps. 14:2, 3 ; Rom. 3:12; Jer. 17:9.
4.
The evil hate light; the good
love it. John 3:19-21.
5.
Deceived call evil good and
good evil. Isa. 5:20, 24.
6. God says, "Depart from evil and
do good." Ps. 34:14; 37:27.
II. Evil Can Be Overcome
7. Through Christ. '1 Cor. 15:57;
Rom. 8:37.
8. Through faith. 1 John 5:4, 5.
9. By doing good. Rom. 12:21.
III. Promises tc Those Who Overcome
10. To eat of the tree of life. Rev. 2:7.
11. A white raiment. Rev. 3:5.
12. To inherit all things. Rev. 21:7.
THE LESSON
and feelings suggested and aroused by
Satan that annoy even the best of men;
but if they are not cherished, if they are
repulsed as hateful, the soul is not con-
taminated with guilt, and no other is de-
filed by their influence."-That
I May
Know Him,
page 140.
Contrast Between Evil and Good
1.
What does the wise man say
concerning the eyes of the Lord?
Prov.
Chron. 16:9.
NOTE.
-"Beholding.
Better, 'keeping
watch.' Sometimes children are given the
[30]
impression that God watches them in
order to find cause for blame; but our
heavenly Father watches with the pitiful,
loving eye of One who knows the frailty
of our nature."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Prov. 15:3.
2.
What frustrating experience did
Paul have regarding the conflict be-
tween evil and good? Rom. 7:15-19.
NoTE.—"No good thing.
It is impossible
for man of himself to resist the power of
evil. A higher power must take possession
of the soul before the evil passions can be
subdued. Paul experienced the painful frus-
tration that comes to all who seek to at-
tain to righteousness in their own strength."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 7:18.
3.
What is the natural condition of
our human nature? Ps. 14:2, 3; Rom.
3:12; Jer. 17:9.
4.
What contrasting attitudes are
manifested by those who do evil and
those who love truth? John 3:19-21.
NOTE.—"Cain hated and killed his
brother, not for any wrong that Abel had
done, but 'because his own works were
evil, and his brother's righteous.' . . . So
in all ages the wicked have hated those
who were better than themselves. Abel's
life of obedience and unswerving faith was
to Cain a perpetual reproof. 'Everyone
that doeth evil hateth the light, neither
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved.' . .. The brighter the heavenly
light that is reflected from the character
of God's faithful servants, the more clearly
the sins of the ungodly are revealed, and
the more determined will be their efforts
to destroy those who disturb their peace."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 74.
5.
What does Isaiah say will be the
reward of those who are deceived
about good and evil? Isa. 5:20, 24.
NOTE.—"He who persistently resists the
warnings that God in His mercy sends,
will ultimately become so perverse in his
thoughts that he is unable longer to dis-
tinguish between good and evil. He honestly
thinks right is wrong and wrong is right.
When perversity reaches such a pass, doom
cannot be long delayed."—SDA
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Isa. 5:20.
"God has pronounced a curse upon those
who depart from His commandments, and
put no difference between common and holy
things. . . . Let no one deceive himself
with the belief that a part of God's com-
mandments are nonessential, or that He
will accept a substitute for that which He
has
required."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 360.
6.
What does God command His
children to do? Ps. 34:14; 37:27.
NoTE.—"Christian living is both negative
and positive; we must go away from evil,
and we must do good. Merely refraining
from evil is not enough. We must be ac-
tive in doing good."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Ps. 34:14.
"The opinion which prevails in some
classes of society, that religion is not con-
ducive to health or to happiness in this
life, is one of the most mischievous of
errors. The Scripture
says:
'The fear of the
Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it
shall abide satisfied.' . . . 'What man is he
that desireth life, and loveth many days,
that he may see good? Keep thy tongue
from evil, and thy lips from speaking
guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek
peace, and pursue it.'
"—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 600.
Evil Can Be Overcome
7.
Through whom is our victory
assured? 1 Cor. 15:57; Rom. 8:37.
Compare Phil. 4:13.
NOTE.—"Christ's victory was as com-
plete as had been the failure of Adam.
"So we may resist temptation, and force
Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the
victory through submission and faith in
God, and by the apostle He says to us,
`Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist
[ 31 ]
the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw
nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to
you.' . . . We cannot save ourselves from
the tempter's power; he has conquered
humanity, and when we try to stand in
our own strength, we shall become a prey
to his devices; but 'the name of the Lord
is a strong tower: the righteous runneth
into it, and is safe.' . . . Satan trembles
and flees before the weakest soul who finds
refuge in that mighty name."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 130, 131.
8.
What weapon are we to use in
gaining the victory over evil? 1 John
5:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Faith.
Gr.
pistis.
. . . This is
the only occurrence of this word in John's
Gospel or epistles. How can 'our faith'
enable us to overcome the world? John
provides the answer in v. 5, where he im-
plies that the faith to which he is referring
is that which accepts Jesus as the Son of
God. Such a faith appropriates the Sav-
iour's victory over the world and dupli-
cates it in the life of the believer. It does
not stop at mental assent but leads to
positive action. Like the paralytic who was
commanded to rise, we attempt what
seems impossible. . . . As our will chooses
to rise from the thralldom of sin, the life-
giving power of God comes into every
moral fiber and enables us to accomplish
what we by faith have willed. Were we to
lie back and wait for the Lord to lift
us up from sin, nothing would happen.
Our faith must lay hold of His promises,
and must desire, choose, and will to act
upon them before that strength can aid us."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 John 5:4.
9.
How does Paul say that evil can
be overcome? Rom. 12:21.
NOTE.—The twelfth chapter of Romans
presents many wonderful and helpful sug-
gestions for overcoming evil with good.
From verses 9 to 21 Paul gives not less
than twenty things the Christian is to
practice and do in his daily living. When
we heed them we shall have no trouble in
overcoming evil with good.
"Be not overcome of evil.
The infliction
of vengeance is a sign, not of strength, but
of weakness. The one who allows his tem-
per to be stirred up and his Christian
principles of love and self-control to be
abandoned suffers defeat. But the person
who represses the desire for revenge and
turns a wrong done to him into an op-
portunity for showing kindness gains a
victory over himself and over the powers
of evil. This is not only nobler in itself
but will be much more effective. It may
disarm an enemy . . . and win another
soul. Thus God has not meted out to
sinners the vengeance they have long de-
served, but rather has overwhelmed them
with love and mercy. And it is the good-
ness, forbearance, and long-suffering of God
that leads men to repentance. . . . The
Christian who is being tranformed into the
image of God . . . will show by his treat-
ment of his enemies that day by day his
character is becoming more and more like
the character of God, who is love."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 12:21.
Promises to Those Who
Overcome
10.
What promise did the Lord
make to the overcomer in the Ephesus
church? Rev. 2:7.
11.
According to the message given
the Sardis church, what are the prom-
ises to the overcomer? Rev. 3:5.
NOTE.—Notice the three promises in this
one text, promises not only for those in
the Sardis church, but to all the children
of God who will overcome. "Shall be
clothed in white raiment"; "I will not
blot out his name out of the book of life";
"I will confess his name before My Father,
and before His angels."
12.
How all-inclusive is the prom-
ise to the overcomer? Rev. 21:7.
NOTE.—When the conflict is ended, the
saints will have overcome. Their reward
is sure. They shall "inherit all things."
What a glorious inheritance! Tongue can-
not describe its beauty, its grandeur. The
overcomers over all that is evil and sinful
(
32]
are those who have a Christlike character.
They are pure in heart, for the pure in
heart "shall see God." They are the ones
who were willing to follow their Lord
wherever He led them. Now, they shall
"follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."
Rev. 14:4.
Thought for Meditation
God would never bid us to be victorious
or to overcome if this were impossible. He
does not ask the impossible. It was Whittier
who said, "The smile of God is victory."
Lesson 10, for September 6, 1969
"Be Careful for Nothing"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and sup-
plication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Phil. 4:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"Thoughts From the Mount
(1943 ed., pp. 161-165); "The Desire
Commentary."
of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 109-113
of Ages," pages 364-371; "SDA Bible
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9;
❑
read further from helps.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
O
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
O
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Importance of the Command
1.
God displeased when we worry.
Matt. 6:25-34.
2.
Especially for our time.
Luke 21:34.
II. Reasons for Heeding the Command
3.
God remembers us. Isa. 49:14-16.
4.
God cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7.
5.
God promises to supply all our
needs. Phil. 4:19.
6.
Effects of our mental attitudes.
Prov. 17:22.
7.
Because God remembers the
sparrow. Luke 12:6, 7.
III. Aids in Obeying the Command
8.
Prayer and faith. Phil. 4:6.
9.
Full surrender and trust in God.
Ps. 37:3-5.
IV. Examples of God's Care for
His Children
10.
Revealed in Joseph's experience.
Gen. 45:5-7.
11.
The miracle of the oil.
2 Kings 4:1-7.
12.
Paul's bonds contributed to the
"furtherance of the gospel."
Phil. 1:12, 19.
13.
Christ's contact with the Syro-
phoenician woman. Matt. 15 :21-28.
[ 33 ]
THE LESSON
more does He care for man, who is the
image and glory of God. He longs to see
His children reveal a character after His
similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the
flowers their varied and delicate tints, so
does God impart to the soul the beauty of
His own character."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 313.
2. What warning are we to heed
as we near the end of time? Luke
21:34.
NoTE.—The twenty-first chapter of Luke
deals with conditions that will prevail prior
to the coming of the Lord. When the peo-
ple of God see the fulfillment of these signs
that are so prevalent, they are warned not
to have the cares of this life to worry them.
The word "cares" might well be rendered
"anxieties" or "worries."
Introduction
It is interesting to notice the following
translations of our memory verse: "Don't
worry over anything whatever; tell God
every detail of your needs in earnest and
thankful prayer." J. B. Phillips.* "Never
be anxious, but always make your requests
known to God in prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving." James Moffatt.t
Let us remember that God is pitiful and
tender in mercy. His heart of love is
touched when we sorrow. We are invited
to take to Him all our perplexities and
know that nothing is too great for Him
to bear. He who upholds the worlds, who
rules over all the affairs of the universe, is
the same God who notices the things that
affect our peace. He unravels the dark ex-
periences that come to us. He will not let
go by unnoticed the calamities that befall
us, the anxieties that harrass our soul, or
the sincere prayers we offer to Him.
Importance of the Command
1. What are some of the reasons
Jesus gives why we should not worry?
Matt. 6:25-34.
NOTE.—"All who have chosen God's ser-
vice are to rest in His care. Christ pointed
to the birds flying in the heavens, to the
flowers of the field, and bade His hearers
consider these objects of God's creation.
`Are not ye of much more value than
they?' . . . The measure of divine attention
bestowed on any object is proportionate to
its rank in the scale of being. The little
brown sparrow is watched over by Provi-
dence. The flowers of the field, the grass
that carpets the earth, share the notice and
care of our heavenly Father. The great
Master Artist has taken thought for the
lilies, making them so beautiful that they
outshine the glory of Solomon. How much
*The New Testament in Modern English
by J. B. Phillips, copyright 1958. Used by
permission of the Macmillan Company.
t
The Moffatt Bible: A New Translation,
by James Moffatt. Copyright by James
Moffatt, 1954, reprinted by permission of
Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., New York
City.
Reasons for Heeding the
Command
3. What assurance has God given
us that He will always remember us?
Isa. 49:14-16. Compare Ps. 40:17.
NOTE.—"Graven thee.
Or, 'inscribed thee,'
or 'engraved thee.' Israel feared that God
had forgotten the covenant promises made
to the fathers. . . . The state of Israel in
Isaiah's time may seem to imply such for-
getfulness. But Isaiah declares that they
had no conception of the depth and en-
during quality of His love for them as a
people. . . . Throughout eternity the nail
prints in the hands of Christ will be a
perpetual reminder of His love for sinners."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 49:16.
"Will the Lord forget His people in this
trying hour? Did He forget faithful Noah
when judgments were visited upon the ante-
diluvian world? Did He forget Lot when
the fire came down from heaven to con-
sume the cities of the plain? Did He forget
Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt?
Did He forget Elijah when the oath of
Jezebel threatened him with the fate of
the prophets of Baal? Did He forget Jere-
miah in the dark and dismal pit of his
[ 34
prison house? Did He forget the three
worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel
in the den of lions?
" 'Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken
me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can
a woman forget her sucking child, that she
should not have compassion on the son of
her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will
I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven
thee upon the palms of My hands.' . . .
The Lord of hosts has said: 'He that
toucheth you toucheth the apple of His
eye.' "—The Great Controversy,
page 626.
4.
What are we bidden to do with
our cares? 1 Peter 5:7. Compare Ps.
37:18, 19, 25.
NOTE.—"Whatever your anxieties and
trials, spread out your case before the Lord.
Your spirit will be braced for endurance.
The way will be open for you to disen-
tangle yourself from embarrassment and
difficulty. The weaker and more helpless
you know yourself to be, the stronger will
you become in His strength. The heavier
your burdens, the more blessed the rest in
casting them upon your Burden Bearer.
"Circumstances may separate friends; the
restless waters of the wide sea may roll
between us and them. But no circumstances,
no distance, can separate us from the Sav-
iour. Wherever we may be, He is at our
right hand, to support, maintain, uphold,
and cheer. Greater than the love of a
mother for her child is Christ's love for
His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in
His love, to say, 'I will trust Him ; for
He gave His life for me.'
"—The Ministry
of Healing,
page 72.
5.
To what extent will God supply
our needs? Phil. 4:19.
NOTE.—"Supply. Literally, 'fulfill,' that
is, God will supply to the full any needs the
Christian might have. Elijah in exile was
sustained by ravens. . . . The lives of the
three young men were preserved in the
fiery furnace. . . . God's angels serve as
ministering spirits to supply the needs of
those who shall be heirs of salvation. .
In the last days, immediately prior to the
coming of Christ, when conditions are
severe, the bread and water of God's peo-
ple will be sure. . . . None who serve the
Lord need fear that He will leave them
uncared for."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Phil. 4:19.
"Our heavenly Father has a thousand
ways to provide for us of which we know
nothing. Those who accept the one prin-
ciple of making the service of God supreme,
will find perplexities vanish and a plain
path before their feet."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 481.
6.
How do our mental attitudes af-
fect us? Prov. 17:22.
NOTE.—"There are many whose hearts
are aching under a load of care because they
seek to reach the world's standard. They
have chosen its service, accepted its per-
plexities, adopted its customs. Thus their
character is marred and their life made a
weariness. The continual worry is wearing
out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to
lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites
them to accept His yoke; He says, 'My
yoke is easy, and My burden is light.'
Worry is blind and cannot discern the fu-
ture; but Jesus sees the end from the be-
ginning. In every difficulty He has His way
prepared to bring relief. `No good thing
will He withhold from them that walk up-
rightly.'
"—The Ministry of Healing,
page
481.
7.
What lesson of God's care for
us does the fifth sparrow teach? Luke
12:6, 7. Compare Matt. 10:29-31.
NOTE.—A sparrow was sold as an article
of food in the markets of Palestine. Two
were sold for a farthing, but an extra one
was thrown in when the buyer came along
with two farthings. Yet this extra sparrow,
almost worthless, was remembered by the
Lord. We read, "Not one of them is for-
gotten before God." Luke 12:6.
"Many limit divine Providence and di-
vorce mercy and love from His character.
They urge that the greatness and majesty
of God would forbid His interesting Him-
self in the concerns of the weakest of His
creatures. 'Are not two sparrows sold for
a farthing? and one of them shall not fall
on the ground without your Father. But the
[ 36 ]
very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value
than many
sparrows.'"—Testimonies,
Vol.
4, p. 522.
Aids in Obeying the Command
8.
What does Paul suggest that
will help us to "be careful for noth-
ing"? Phil. 4:6.
NOTE.—It is well to remember that
prayer and faith are essential in obeying
the command, "Be careful for nothing."
Notice how Paul emphasizes prayer, "But
in everything by prayer and supplication."
Then faith is implied when he says, "Let
your requests be made known unto God."
Only those who have faith in Him make
known their requests to Him.
9.
With what admonitions and
promises does the psalmist encourage
God's faithful followers? Ps. 37:3-5.
NOTE.—Notice the first word in each of
these verses: "Trust," "Delight," and
"Commit." Each word has a promise at-
tached to it. "Trust . . . , and verily thou
shalt be fed." "Delight . . . , and He shall
give thee the desires of thine heart." "Com-
mit . . , and He shall bring it to pass."
Those who trust in the Lord, who delight
in Him, and who commit their ways unto
Him, will have no trouble in obeying the
command: "Be careful for nothing."
Examples of God's Care for
His Children
10.
How was God's hand revealed
in Joseph's experience? Gen. 45:5-7.
11.
On another occasion, how did
He work to relieve the want of the
family of one of the prophets?
2 Kings 4:1-7.
12.
In what way did Paul explain
the failure of the plans of his en-
emies, and God's work on his behalf?
Phil. 1:12, 19.
13.
When traveling in the region
of Tyre and Sidon, how did Jesus
demonstrate His love and care for the
Gentiles as well as the Jews? Matt.
15:21-28.
Thought for Meditation
Our security is not found in laying up
goods for years to come, for often they
melt in an hour. Our safety is found in
the words, "Your heavenly Father knoweth
that ye have need of all these things."
Lesson 11, for September 13, 1969
"Grieve Not the Holy Spirit"
MEMORY VERSE:
"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed
unto the day of redemption." Eph. 4:30.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 35-56; "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin
reading study helps.
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13;
read further from helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
[ 36 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Spirit's Work
1.
Reveals sins. John 16:8.
2.
Leads. Rom. 8:14.
3.
Guides into all truth. John 16:13.
4.
Testifies of Christ. John 15:26.
5.
The agency of communication.
Rom. 8:26, 27.
6.
Unites the believers.
Eph. 4:12-15.
7.
Aids in the battle against the
enemy. Isa. 59:19.
II. Conditions of Receiving the
Holy Spirit
8.
Asking. Luke 11:11-13.
9.
Confessing and forsaking sin.
Acts 2:37, 38.
10.
Obedience. Acts 5:32.
III. Grieve Not the Spirit
11.
Warning against grieving the Spirit.
Eph. 4:30.
12.
Grieving the Spirit leads to the
unpardonable sin. Matt. 12:31, 32.
13.
Our daily prayer. Ps. 51:11.
THE LESSON
2.
What work of the Holy Spirit
is evident in the sons of God? Rom.
8:14.
Introduction
"In every age there is given to men their
day of light and privilege, a probationary
time in which they may become reconciled
to God. But there is a limit to this grace.
Mercy may plead for years and be slighted
and rejected; but there comes a time when
mercy makes her last plea. The heart be-
comes so hardened that it ceases to respond
to the Spirit of God. Then the sweet, win-
ning voice entreats the sinner no longer,
and reproofs and warnings cease.
"That day had come to Jerusalem. Je-
sus wept in anguish over the doomed city,
but He could not deliver her. He had ex-
hausted every resource. In rejecting the
warnings of God's Spirit, Israel had re-
jected the only means of help. There was
no other power by which they could be
delivered."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 587.
The Spirit's Work
1. What is one of the functions of
the Holy Spirit? John 16:8.
NoTE.-"The office of the Holy Spirit is
distinctly specified in the words of Christ:
`When He is come, He will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of
judgment.' . . . It is the Holy Spirit that
convicts of sin. If the sinner responds to
the quickening influence of the Spirit, he
will be brought to repentance and aroused
to the importance of obeying the divine
requirements."-The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 52.
NOTE.-"Are
led.
Or, 'are being
l
ed.' The
present tense indicates •continuous action.
The leading of the Spirit does not mean
a momentary impulse but a steady, habitual
influence. It is not those whose hearts are
occasionally touched by the Spirit, or those
who now and then yield to His power, who
are the sons of God. God recognizes as
His sons only those who are continually
led by His Spirit.
"It is important to notice that the guid-
ing and transforming power of the Holy
Spirit is described as leading, not forcing.
There is no coercion in the plan of sal-
vation. The Spirit dwells only in the hearts
of those who accept Him in faith. And
faith implies a loving and willing sub-
mission to the will of God and the direct-
ing influence of the Holy Spirit."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 8:14.
3.
What title does Jesus bestow
upon the Holy Spirit, and into what
does He guide us? John 16:13.
NOTE.-"Spirit of Truth.
This expression
occurs again in chs. 15:26; 16:13. The
emphasis seems to be upon the fact that the
Spirit defines, imparts, and defends truth.
. . . The Spirit would guide the disciples
[371
`into all truth!"—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on John 14:17.
Through the centuries searchers for
truth have asked, "What is truth?" God
has placed the desire in the heart, and it
must not be quenched. The world is filled
with error. The best way to expose error
is to present truth. Truth needs
,
no de-
fender. We can know what truth is, so
Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth."
John 8:32. The Bible gives these answers
to the question, "What is truth?" (1) "I
am the . . . truth." John 14:6; (2) "The
Spirit is truth." 1 John 5:6; (3) "Thy
Word is truth." John 17:17; (4) "Thy law
[all of God's revealed will] is the truth."
Ps. 119:142. To reject any one of these,
Jesus, the Spirit, the Word, or His re-
vealed will, means to grieve the Spirit.
4.
How intimate is the work and
relationship between Christ and the
Holy Spirit? John 15:26.
5.
What part does the Spirit have
in our communion with God? Rom.
8:26, 27.
NOTE.—"We must not only _pray in
Christ's name, but by the inspiration of
the Holy Spirit. This explains what is
meant when it is said that the Spirit
`maketh intercession for us, with groan-
ings which cannot be uttered.' . . . Such
prayers God delights to answer. When with
earnestness and intensity we breathe a
prayer in the name of Christ, there is in
that very intensity a pledge from God that
He is about to answer our prayer 'exceed-
ing abundantly above all that we ask or
think.'
"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 147.
6.
What effects do the gifts of the
Spirit have upon the church? Eph.
4:12-15. Compare Eph. 4:3, 4; Acts
2:1-4, 46.
NOTE.—"If God's professed people would
receive the light as it shines upon them
from His Word, they would reach that
unity for which Christ prayed, that which
the apostle describes, 'the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace.' There is, he
says,
'one
body, and
one
Spirit, even as ye
are called in
one
hope of your calling; one
Lord, one faith, one baptism.'
"—The Great
Controversy,
page 379.
7.
What has the Lord promised to
do for us when we are confronted
by the enemy? Isa. 59:19.
NOTE.—"Temptations often appear irre-
sistible because, through neglect of prayer
and the study of the Bible, the tempted one
cannot readily remember God's promises
and meet Satan with the Scripture weap-
ons. But angels are round about those who
are willing to be taught in divine things;
and in the time of great necessity they will
bring to their remembrance the very truths
which are needed. Thus 'when the enemy
shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of
the Lord shall lift up a standard against
him.'
"—The Great Controversy,
page 600.
"When the enemy comes in with seem-
ingly irresistible force, and it appears that
nothing can prevent him from pouring out
his wrath on the righteous, God reveals
His mighty power. . . . Again and again
throughout history God has intervened in
the most marvelous ways to deliver His
people. Such will again be the experience
of God's people in the great crisis at the
end of time. At the moment the wicked of
earth think they have the saints completely
within their power, the Lord will mani-
fest Himself, destroying their enemies and
taking the saints home with Him to receive
their inheritance."—SDA
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Isa. 59:19.
Conditions of Receiving the
Holy Spirit
8.
How does Jesus impress us with
the importance of asking for the Holy
Spirit? Luke 11:11-13.
9.
In his sermon on the Day of
Pentecost, what did Peter say was
vital in order to receive the Holy
Spirit? Acts 2:37, 38.
t38]
10.
How does God respond to man's
attitude of submission and obedience?
Acts 5:32.
NOTE.—"The Spirit of God is given to
the obedient: in proportion as a man who
has received the
first
influences of it (for
without this he cannot
move
in the spiri-
tual life) is obedient to these influences, in
the same proportion the gifts and graces,
the light, life, and power, of the Holy
Spirit, are increased in His
soul."—Clarke's
Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 720.
Grieve Not the Spirit
11.
What important warning does
Paul give concerning the Spirit? Eph.
4:30. Compare 1 Thess. 5:19; Gen.
6:3.
NoTE.—"Grieve.
Gr.
lupeO,
'to cause
pain,' to distress,' to grieve.' The Greek
phrase may be translated, 'stop grieving.'
The personality of the Holy Spirit is here
clearly implied; only
persons
can be
grieved."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on
Eph. 4:30.
We are warned not to grieve the Spirit
because we are sealed by Him unto the day
of redemption. Regarding this thought we
read: "It is hoped that the believer will
persevere and that he will be glorified.
This can be only if he holds 'fast the con-
fidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm
unto the end.' . . . The act of sealing does
not forever guarantee salvation, for it is
possible to sin against the Holy Spirit and
thus forfeit redemption. . . . The sin for
which there is no pardon comes as a climax
to a series of grievings. It is important
therefore to guard against even a single act
of grieving."—Ibid.
12.
What is the ultimate result of
sinning against the Holy Spirit?
Matt. 12:31, 32.
NOTE.—The Pharisees charged Jesus with
being in league with Satan. They said, You
have the devil. Furthermore, they said,
You cast out devils through the prince of
devils. Matt. 9:34. Christ answered, "If
Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against
himself. . . . And if I by Beelzebub cast
out devils, by whom do your children cast
them out?" Matt. 12:26, 27. These ques-
tions closed their mouths. These words
against Jesus led up to the unpardonable
sin referred to in verse 31.
We read: "In rejecting Christ the Jewish
people committed the unpardonable sin;
and by refusing the invitation of mercy,
we may commit the same error."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 324. According to this
statement the sin against the Holy Spirit
is expressed in the words, "Refusing the
invitation of mercy." Another answer to
the question, "What is the unpardonable
sin?" is found in the words, "The most
common manifestation of the sin against
the Holy Spirit is in persistently slighting
Heaven's invitation to repent. Every step
in the rejection of Christ is a step toward
the rejection of salvation, and toward the
sin against the Holy Spirit."—Ibid.
As long as God calls us to repentance, to
forsake sin, whatever it may be, so long
there is hope for us. But if we refuse to
forsake it, and do not turn from it or
leave it alone, that sin will become un-
pardonable, for God will cease to ask us
to forsake it. This thought is borne out in
the experience of Saul. Of him we read, "It
was not pardon for sin and reconciliation
with God, that he sought, but deliverance
from his foes. By his own stubbornness and
rebellion he had cut himself off from God."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 676.
13.
Realizing the seriousness of
quenching the Holy Spirit, what
should be our daily prayer? Ps. 51:11.
Thought for Meditation
"Conscience is the voice of God, heard
amid the conflict of human passions; when
it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 120.
"Talk unbelief, and you will
have unbelief; but talk faith,
and you will have faith. Ac-
cording to the seed sown
will be the
harvest."—His-
torical Sketches,
page 142.
[397
Lesson 12, for September 20, 1969
"Be Ye Reconciled"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did
beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
2 Cor. 5:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions
11, 12;
learn memory verse.
0
read further from helps.
0
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
Thursday: Finish reading study
reading study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-7.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Need of Reconciliation
1.
Sinful man not reconciled.
Isa. 59:2.
2.
Scope of reconciliation.
2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
II. Thoughts Concerning Reconciliation
3.
Foretold. Dan. 9:24.
4.
Taught by Christ's ambassadors.
2 Cor. 5:20.
5.
Reveals suffering of God with
Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 (first part).
6.
Through the death of Christ.
Rom. 5:10.
7.
Purpose of reconciliation.
Col. 1:21, 22.
III. Sinners' Hope Centers in Reconcili-
ation and Redemption
8.
Redemption. Eph. 1:7.
9.
Reconciliation. Heb. 2:17.
10.
Propitiation. 1 John 4:10.
11.
Salvation. Rom. 5:10; Heb. 7:25.
12.
The home of the saved.
Rev. 21:1-7.
THE LESSON
merits of Christ he can be restored to
harmony with his Maker. His heart must
be renewed by divine grace; he must have
a new life from above. This change is the
new birth, without which, says Jesus, 'he
cannot see the kingdom of God.'
"—The
Great Controversy,
page 467.
Introduction
"It is the work of conversion and sancti
fication to reconcile men to God b
-
y'bring-
ing them into accord with the principles
of His law. In the beginning, man was
created in the image of God. He was in
perfect harmony with the nature and
the law of God; the principles of righteous-
ness were written upon his heart. But sin
alienated him from his Maker. He no
longer reflected the divine image. His heart
was at war with the principles of God's
law. 'The carnal mind is enmity against
God: for it is not subject to the law of
God, neither indeed can be.' Romans 8:7.
But 'God so loved the world, that He
gave His only-begotten Son,' that man
might be reconciled to God. Through the
The Need of Reconciliation
1. What has sin brought about be-
tween man and God? Isa. 59:2.
NOTE. "The first step in reconciliation
to God is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the
transgression of the law.' By the law is
[ 40 ]
the knowledge of sin.' . . In order to see
his guilt, the sinner must test his character
by God's great standard of righteousness.
It is a mirror which shows the oerfection
of a righteous character and en les him
to discern the defects in his
own."—The
Great Controversy,
page 467.
"Sin erects a barrier between man and
God. If heaven seems far distant from
earth, it is because sin has hung a veil of
separation between man and God."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 59:2.
2.
What does Paul say is the scope
of reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
NOTE.—Regarding the scope of reconcili-
ation we read:
"Reconciling the world.
The plan of
salvation does not consist in reconciling
God to men, but in reconciling men to God.
The entrance of sin had set men at enmity
with God, and it was the purpose of Christ
in coming to this world to win back the
affection and loyalty of men toward God."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 5:19.
"Satan's lying charges against the divine
character and government appeared in their
true light. He had accused God of seeking
merely the exaltation of Himself in re-
quiring submission and obedience from His
creatures, and had declared that, while the
Creator exacted self-denial from all others,
He Himself practiced no self-denial and
made no sacrifice. Now it was seen that for
the salvation of a fallen and sinful race,
the Ruler of the universe had made the
greatest sacrifice which love could make;
for 'God was in Christ, reconciling the
world unto Himself.'
"—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 502.
Thoughts Concerning
Reconciliation
3.
What prophecy foretold the
work of reconciliation? Dan. 9:24.
4.
What have Christ's ambassadors
been commissioned to do? 2 Cor.
5:20.
NOTE.—"As
though God.
It is the am-
bassador for Christ who speaks 'the word
of reconciliation' (v. 19). God speaks to
men through His ambassadors, even as
He reconciled the world to Himself through
Christ. . . . See Isa. 1:18; Jer. 44:4; Eze.
33:11; Hosea 11:8.
"In Christ's stead.
Literally, 'for Christ,'
that is, on behalf of Christ. The Christian
ambassador is in no sense a substitute for
Christ, but simply the one through whom
reconciliation is effected. He is in no sense
a priestly mediator, for there is only 'one
mediator between God and men, the Man
Christ Jesus.' . . . Reconciliation has al-
ready been provided in Christ. The minis-
ter is simply the agent by whom 'the word
of reconciliation' .
. is proclaimed to
others. He is not the creator or dispenser
of it. He leads men and women into the
presence of God, where they experience
reconciliation for themselves. His task is
to convince men that God has provided
reconciliation in Christ. Each believer thus
has access to and deals directly with God."
—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 5:20.
"The example of those who minister in
holy things should be such as to impress
the people with reverence for God and
with fear to offend Him. When men,
standing 'in Christ's stead' . . . to speak
to the people God's message of mercy and
reconciliation, use their sacred calling as a
cloak for selfish or sensual gratification,
they make themselves the most effective
agents of
Satan."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 580.
5.
What was the relationship be-
tween the Father and the Son in the
work of reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:19
(first part).
NoTE.—The work of reconciliation takes
on a deeper meaning when we know that
"God was in Christ," and that He suffered
with His Son in bringing about reconcilia-
tion. We read: " 'And the counsel of peace
shall be between Them both.' The love of
the Father, no less than of the Son, is the
fountain of salvation for the lost race.
Said Jesus to His disciples before He
went away: 'I say not unto you, that I
will pray the Father for you: for the Fa-
ther Himself loveth you.' . . . God was 'in
Christ, reconciling the world unto Him-
[
41]
self.' . . . And in the ministration in the
sanctuary above, 'The counsel of peace
shall be between Them both.'
"—The Great
Controversy,
pages 416, 417.
6.
What does Paul say was the
price of reconciliation? Rom. 5:10.
NOTE.—"The Bible nowhere speaks of
God being reconciled to man. It is true
that the death of Christ made it possible
for God to do for man what He otherwise
could not have done. . . . By bearing the
penalty of transgression Christ provided a
way by which men might be restored to
God's favor and be brought back to their
Eden home . . . ; and but for the sacrifice
of Christ all men would have reaped the
inevitable results of sin and rebellion in
final destruction under the wrath of God.
. . . But this does not mean that God
needed to be reconciled. The alienation was
entirely on man's part . . . , and it is God
who, in His great love, initiates the recon-
ciliation: 'God was in Christ, reconciling
the world unto Himself.' . . . Though God
strongly hates sin, His love for sinners is
even stronger, and He has spared nothing,
however dear, to bring about a reconcili-
ation. . . . Christ did not die to win God's
love for man, but to win man back to
God."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Rom.
5:10.
7.
What does Paul say about
Christ's purpose in His work of recon-
ciliation? Col. 1:21, 22.
Sinners' Hope Centers in
Reconciliation and Redemption
8.
What is the apostle's message to
the Ephesians regarding redemption?
Eph. 1:7.
condemnation that sin brings into the life.
Redemption brings about a new life. Paul
speaks of it as "newness of life." Rom.
6:4. It is the Christ life within the heart.
It is the life referred to when he said,
"Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me." Gal. 2:20. Christ does not
live within a heart unless we have been
reconciled with God and man. His redeem-
ing grace accomplishes all this for sinful
man.
9.
Why was Christ "made like
unto His brethren"? Heb. 2:17.
NorE.—The writer of the book of He-
brews makes it very clear that Christ was
"made like unto His brethren," for two
reasons: one, "that He might be a merci-
ful and faithful high priest in things per-
taining to God"; and two, "to make
reconciliation for the sins of the people."
Reconciliation is the result of the acceptance
of redemption. Concerning this word we
should note that it is an act of God's
grace that leads men and women to accept
forgiveness and gives them a determination
to live a new life in Christ. The work of
conversion and sanctification reconciles us
to God and brings us into accord with the
principles of His Word.
10.
What does John say concerning
the Father's purpose in sending Christ
to this world? 1 John 4:10.
NoTE.—The word "propitiation," or "ex-
piation," conveys the idea of mercy or
reconciliation. This does not mean that
God's anger requires appeasement, but that
Jesus came to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people. The Greek emphasizes
that Christ Himself is the propitiation as
well as the propitiator. He is both priest
and victim.
11. What does the sinner need
"much more" than reconciliation?
Rom. 5:10; Heb. 7:25.
NoTE.—It impossible to separate recon-
ciliation and redemptiOn. The word "re-
demption" irl'EphesiapsA :7 carries with it
the thought of releasing, a buying back, or
a ransom. In plain words it is defined as
NoTE.—Christ's death made reconcilia-
"the forgiveness of sins." This means that
tion possible, that is art eiiiiimtion of a
the sinner is liberated from the filth and
peaceful relationship with-..Ge
l
d. Christ's
[ 42 ]
life makes possible the maintenance of
such a relationship.
"If the death of Christ had such saving
power in effecting our reconciliation, how
much more will His risen life have power
to bring our salvation to joyous fulfill-
ment."-SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Rom.
5:10.
12. What will
be
the grand result
of God's plan of reconciliation? Rev.
21:1-7.
NOTE.
-"Soon we shall see Him in whom
our hopes of eternal life are centered. And
in His
presence
the trials and sufferings of
this life will seem as nothingness. . . .
"Look up, look up, and let your faith
continually increase. Let this faith guide
you along the narrow path that leads
through the gates of the city into the
great beyond, the wide, unbounded future
of glory that is for the redeemed. [James
5:7,
8
quoted.] "-Prophets and Kings,
page 732.
Thought for Meditation
We cannot wrestle with God and
wrangle with men. To be reconciled with
our fellowmen is an essential preparation
to meet God in peace.
Lesson 13, for September 27, 1969
"Be Ye Perfect"
MEMORY VERSE: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect." Matt. 5:48.
STUDY HELPS: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 95-102; "Steps to Christ," pages
43-48, 67-75; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 76-78
(1943 ed., pp. 116-118); "SDA Bible Commentary."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
Check Here
Wednesday: Read further from
study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Importance of the Command
1.
Perfection lost through sin.
Gen. 3:7.
2.
Taught by Christ. Matt. 5:48.
3.
Paul's conception of the command,
"Be ye perfect." Phil. 3:12-14.
II. Means of Attaining Perfection
4. Not through outward display or
aims. 1 Sam. 16:7.
1
43
5.
Through complete surrender.
Matt. 16:24, 25.
6.
Through the Word. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
7.
Through patience. James 1:4.
8.
Step-by-step process. Heb. 6:1.
9.
By beholding Christ. 2 Cor. 3:18.
III. Perfection to Become a Reality
10.
In Christ. Col. 2:9, 10.
11.
Christ's ideal for His church.
Eph. 5:25-27.
12.
In His people before the coming
of the Lord. 1 John 3:2.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In the OT
tam
signifies completeness,
integrity, and sincerity, but always in a
relative sense when used of man. A person
with a 'perfect heart' was a man whose
life was completely devoted to the Lord.
. . . Thus Job was designated as 'perfect'
. . . despite weaknesses revealed later by
adversity . . . , showing that his perfection
was relative rather than absolute. Sim-
ilarly, Noah was said to be 'perfect' . . .
though later he succumbed to the weakness
of the flesh. . . . Perfection was the ideal
God set before Abraham. . . . The RSV
generally translates
tam,
'blameless.' . . .
"In the NT 'perfection' consists essen-
tially in maturity as distinguished from im-
maturity, as adults differ from children and
youth. A mature person is one who has
attained the normal limits of stature,
strength, and mental power. This concept
of maturity is clearly evident in such
passages as 1 Cor. 2:6; 14:20; Eph. 4:13,
14; Phil. 3:15; Heb. 5:14. Paul speaks of
himself and his fellow Christians as already
perfect . . . , but in almost the same
breath makes it evident that there is a
sense in which perfection is a goal yet to
be attained."—SDA
Bible Dictionary,
on
"Perfect," "Perfection," page 840.
Importance of the Command
1. After Adam and Eve sinned,
what sudden realization came to
them? Gen.
3:7.
NoTE.—The first record of man's crea-
tion reads: "So God created man in His
own image, in the image of God created
He him." Gen.
1:27.
A perfect creation !
A perfect being! But sin marred man's
perfect life; it caused him to lose his
perfect character.
"The eyes of them both were opened.
What irony lies in these words, which
record the fulfillment of Satan's ambigu-
ous promise! The eyes of their intellect
were open—they realized that they were
no longer innocent. Their physical eyes
were opened—they saw that they were
naked.
"And made themselves aprons.
Standing
ashamed in each other's presence, they
sought to evade the disgrace of their
nakedness. Their fig-leaf aprons were a
pitiful substitute for the radiant garments
of innocence they had forfeited."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 3:7.
2.
In the Sermon on the Mount,
what standard did Jesus uphold be-
fore His hearers? Matt.
5:48.
NOTE.—"The word 'therefore' implies a
conclusion, an inference from what has
gone before. Jesus has been describing to
His hearers the unfailing mercy and love
of God, and He bids them therefore to
be perfect. . . .
"The conditions of eternal life, under
grace, are just what they were in Eden—
perfect righteousness, harmony with God,
perfect conformity to the principles of His
law. The standard of character presented
in the Old Testament is the same that is
presented in the New Testament. This
standard is not one to which we cannot
attain. In every command or injunction
that God gives, there is a promise, the
most positive, underlying the command.
God has made provision that we may be-
come like unto Him, and He will accom-
plish this for all who do not interpose a
perverse will and thus frustrate His grace."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 76.
3.
How did Paul express his feel-
ing regarding perfection? Phil.
3:
12-14.
NOTE.—It is most dangerous to sit at
ease and say, "I have reached perfection."
With Paul we must say, "I count not my-
self to have apprehended: . . . I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:
13, 14. Those who boast of their perfection
are as imperfect as were the Pharisees in
the days of Christ. It was Spurgeon who
said, "He who boasts of being perfect is
perfect in folly. I never saw a perfect man.
Every rose has its thorns and every day
its night. Even the sun shows spots, and
the skies are darkened with clouds. And
faults of some kind nestle in every bosom."
1 44
Means of Attaining Perfection
4.
In what way does God evaluate
a man's true character? 1 Sam. 16:7.
Compare Rom. 14:17.
NoTE.—In all the illustrations Christ
shows that in the kingdom to be established
it is the inner attitude and motive that
will determine perfection of character and
not that which appears on the outside. It
is human to look on outward appearances
and divine to look into the heart.
We read: "The Jews were toiling wearily
to become righteous by their own efforts,
to earn salvation by works. But in their
scrupulous legalism they paid so much at-
tention to the minute details of the letter
of the law that they lost sight completely
of its spirit. . . . In the Sermon on the
Mount Christ sought to turn their atten-
tion from the husks to the wheat. They
had made the law an end in itself, some-
thing to be kept for its own sake, and had
forgotten that its purpose was to lift their
gaze to the high ideals of supreme love
toward God and self-sacrificing love
toward one's fellowmen. . . . The rabbis
taught that righteousness consists in having
an excess of good deeds over evil deeds to
one's account in heaven.
"It is important to note the relationship
between vs. 48 and 45 (ch. 5), for to be
`children of your Father which is in heaven'
(v. 45) is equivalent to being 'perfect, even
as your Father which is in heaven is per-
fect' (v.
48)."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 5:48..
5.
What initial step is essential in
order to obtain perfection? Matt. 16:
24, 25. Compare Matt. 10:37, 38;
26:39 (last part).
NOTE.—"When one surrenders to Christ,
the mind is brought under the control of
the law; but it is the royal law, which
proclaims liberty to every captive. By be-
coming one with Christ, man is made free.
Subjection to the will of Christ means
restoration to perfect manhood."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 131.
6.
What does God's Word do for
us in the development of a perfect
character? 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
7.
What does James admonish us
to do in order to reach perfection?
James 1:4.
8.
How does the writer of the book
of Hebrews suggest that we develop
perfection? Heb. 6:1. Compare Mark
4:28.
Noit:--"S4nctific
.
atibn is not the work
of a momentTaVhour, a day, but of a
lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight
of feeling, but is the result of constantly
dying to sin, and constantly living for
Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor
reformations wrought in the character by
feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only by
long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and
stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We
know not one day how strong will be our
conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns,
we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins
to overcome; so long as life shall last, there
will be no stopping place, no point which
we can reach and say, I have fully at-
tained. Sanctification is the result of life-
long obedience."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 560, 561.
9.
What takes place in the lives of
those who behold Christ? 2 Cor. 3:18.
NOTE.—"Thso_ptempla
;
tIpn of the image
of Christ acts uporillie
i
olal and spiritual
nature as the presence of God did upon
the face of Moses. The humblest Christian
who constantly looks to Christ as his Re-
deemer will reflect in his own life some-
thing of the glory of Christ. If he faith-
fully continues to do so, he will go on
`from glory to glory' in his personal Chris-
tian experience. . .
"From glory to glory.
This transforma-
tion is progressive. It advances from one
stage of glory to another. Our spiritual
assimilation of Christ comes through His
[ 45 ]
glory and results in a reflection of glory
like unto
His."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 3:18.
Perfection to Become a Reality
10. In whom is perfection of char-
acter realized? Col. 2:9, 10. Compare
2 Peter 1:4-8.
NOTE.—Goodspeed renders Colossians 2:
9, 10 thus: "It is in Him [Christ] that
all the fullness of God's nature lives em-
bodied, and in union with Him you too
are filled with it."
"The Scriptures teach us to seek for the
sanctification to God of body, soul, and
spirit. In this work we are to be laborers
together with God. Much may be done to
restore the moral image of God in man,
to improve the physical, mental, and moral
capabilities. Great changes can be made in
the physical system by obeying the laws
of God and bringing into the body nothing
that defiles. And while we cannot claim
perfection of the flesh, we may have Chris-
tian perfection of the soul. Through the
sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be
perfectly forgiven. Our dependence is not
in what man can do; it is in what God
can do for man through Christ. When we
surrender ourselves wholly to God, and
fully believe, the blood of Christ cleanses
from all sin. The conscience can be freed
from condemnation. Through faith in His
blood, all may be made perfect in Christ
Jesus. Thank God that we are not dealing
with impossibilities. We may claim sancti-
fication. We may enjoy the favor of God.
We are not to be anxious about what
Christ and God think of us, but about
what God thinks of Christ, our Substitute.
Ye are accepted in the Beloved. The Lord
shows, to the repenting, believing one, that
Christ accepts the surrender of the soul, to
be molded and fashioned after His own
likeness."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, pp.
32, 33.
11.
What is Christ's ideal for His
church? Eph. 5:25-27.
12.
What will be the condition of
the church at the coming of Christ?
1 John 3:2.
NOTE.—"When this work shall have been
accomplished, the followers of Christ will
be ready for His appearing. 'Then shall
the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be
pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of
old, and as in former years.' Malachi 3:4.
Then the church which our Lord at His
coming is to receive to Himself will be a
'glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing.' Ephesians 5:
27. Then she will look 'forth as the morn-
ing, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and
terrible as an army with banners.' Song of
Solomon
6:10."—The Great Controversy,
page 425.
"Christ will clothe His faithful ones with
His own righteousness, that He may pre-
sent them to His Father 'a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing.' Ephesians 5:27. Their names stand
enrolled in the book of life, and concerning
them it is written: 'They shall walk with
Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revela-
tion 3:4.
"Thus will be realized the complete ful-
fillment of the new-covenant promise: 'I
will forgive their iniquity, and I will re-
member their sin no more.' In those days,
and in that time, saith the Lord, the in-
iquity of Israel shall be sought for, and
there shall be none; and the sins of Judah,
and they shall not be found.' Jeremiah
31:34;
50:20."—/bid.,
pp. 484, 485.
Thought for Meditation
It was Augustine who said, "This is the
very perfection of a man, to find out his
own imperfection."
The teacher's edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly"
is a valuable aid to every Sabbath-school teacher, because every
other page is blank, providing space for writing out texts, notes,
comments, etc. Ask your Sabbath-school secretary to secure one for
you along with the order for regular "Quarterlies."
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 27, 1969
Far Eastern Division
The lure of exotic tropical islands, the challenge of a land gripped in
the horrors of war, the demand for more national workers with graduate
degrees to keep pace with rising standards of nations newly proud of
their progress—these are all reflected in the projects chosen for special
assistance from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow this quarter.
The three projects are:
1.
A training school in the islands of Palau. The administration build-
ing of the old school was destroyed by a typhoon; and now, with the
purchase of a new plot of ground in a better location, the time has come
to build a larger and better school that will serve the children and youth
of this whole area and prepare workers for the entire Trust Territories
of the South Pacific. The need is both urgent and outstanding.
2.
A new hospital for the city of Saigon. Our small hospital in this
war-torn city has done excellent service for the sick and injured. A new
hospital will be constructed less than a mile from the old one but in a
spot where there is not so much constant traffic. The new hospital will
enable the medical staff to give more efficient and effective service.
3.
The construction of the administration building for the Far Eastern
Division School of Advanced Studies on the grounds of the Philippine
Union College. This school is urgently needed to meet the demand for
qualified workers in all parts of the Far East.
Lessons for the Fourth Quarter of 1969
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the fourth quarter of 1969 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the series is "Keys of the Kingdom." The title of the
first lesson is, "Christ, the Author and the Theme of Scripture." The memory
verse is John 5:39. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Col. 3:16 (first part).
Ques. 2. 1 Peter 1:10-12.
Ques. 3. John 5:39.
Ques. 4. Isa. 11:1-3.
Ques. 5. Ps. 40:7, 8.
Ques. 6. Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13.
Ques. 7. Heb. 4:12.
Ques. 8. Hosea 6:5.
Ques. 9. Luke 4:32; Matt. 7:29.
Ques. 10. Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28,
38, 39, 43, 44.
Ques. 11. Matt. 21:42 (first part) ;
Luke 10:26.
Ques. 12. John 3:19-21; 1:9-11, 5.
Ques. 13. Luke 24:25-27.
[47
]
FAR EASTERN DIVISION
Unions
Central Philippine U.M.
East Indonesia
U.M.
Japan U.M.
Korean U.M.
North Philippine U.M.
South China Island U.M.
South Philippine U.M.
Southeast Asia U.M.
West Indonesia U.M.
Far Eastern Island Mission
JAPAN
Church
Sab. Sch.
Population Churches Members Members
8,109,702
295
32,068
40,806
8,165,000
215
15,695
21,583
100,558,851
72
6,798
6,541
29,207,856
239
31,702
27,479
18,042,000
517
39,789
43,031
17,036,206
38
7,718
7,749
7,757,277
307
39,542
47,583
69,833,430
95
12,221
14,490
109,205,000
256
21,337
29,049
175,000
8
625
614
410 OKINAWA
A
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Division Totals
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